List of Illustrations

1. 2. 3. 4. Causes of AIDS (P. 14) Solution of AIDS (P.15) No. of AIDS Patient in Bangladesh at Year 1989 & 2004 (Appendix). No. of Percentage of AIDS Affected People in the World at the Year 1997 & 2005 (Appendix). 5. No. of AIDS Patient in India at the Year 2002 & 2005 (Appendix). 6. AIDS Affected Persons in Bangladesh (Appendix).

Abstract and Summary

The present world is in danger due to spreading HIV/AIDS. In many countries of the world HIV/AIDS appeared in epidemic form. Bangladesh also faces the problem. In 1989 the first AIDS patient was identified in Bangladesh. From the first in 2004 the numbers of AIDS patients are 465. Between this 87 are affected and 44 are died. Although the number is small according to specialist Bangladesh is also in danger. In Bangladesh the percentage of AIDS affected is less than 1%. But between the sex worker the percentage of sexual disease is increased, drug affected people take drug to using the syringe and general people do not know clearly about the AIDS, for this Bangladesh is also in danger.

Introduction
AIDS is a dangerous venereal disease of viral etiology. Its called syndrome as it is a combination of few signs and symptoms. In additional to commonly faced aliments, that accompany AIDS are Tuberculosis, Kaposis sarcoma (a sort of skin cancer), Pneumosisitis Cornier, Pneumonia, Herpes, Cryptococcus, Sneezing, Cough, Fever, Diarrhea, Dysentery, recurrent episodes of pneumonia including other respiratory tract, gastrointestinal, dermatological and ocular disorders are seen either alone or combination. We know that the infectious diseases are caused by virus minute organisms. Viruses are the smallest of all infecting organisms. They are even smaller than bacteria which are neither resolvable by the unaided eye nor even they are recognizable by an ordinary light microscope. It is only resolvable by an electron microscope. HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It is a member of the Retroviridae family. In 1980, the description of the virus was first noticed. Therefore, for sometimes it was called by plethora of names, at present, it is it is internationally called and accepted as HIV this virus destroys the immune system of human body i.e. the bodys defiance states by entering into the T-Helper cells and thus permanently incapacitating bodys total functional ability. The present world is in danger due to spreading HIV/AIDS. In many countries of the world HIV/AIDS appeared in epidemic form. Till today more than 60 million people are affected by AIDS. Out of that 25 million people already died by AIDS and more than 40 million affected people still alive. Only in 2005 3 million people acquired AIDS. In those country where AIDS appeared in epidemic form has influenced its socio-economic political conditions badly. AIDS meansA - (Acquired) - Not achieved through birth but acquired afterward. I - (Immune) - Body resistance to various diseases. D - (Deficiency) - A shortage (of immunity) S - (Syndrome) - An accumulation of few sings symptoms.

AIDS Problem in Bangladesh

What is AIDS? AIDS is a disorder of the immune system in which the bodys ability to defend itself becomes greatly diminished. This is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), which invades the immune cells (also known as key white blood cells called T Lymphocytes or T cells). As HIV invades the T cells and multiplies, the immune system begins to deteriorate causing infection, cancers and even death. The strange fact about this disease is that most deaths occurring among people with AIDS are the result of the many infections and cancers to which the body becomes vulnerable, not by the AIDS virus itself. AIDS is considered a monumental modern-day medical plague as there is no known cure and because it is experienced as a variety of various illnesses resulting from the initial HIV infection. The origin of HIV is not known, although the earliest documented cases of AIDS appeared in 1981. Researchers now believe that there were many undocumented cases during the 1970s. It is speculated that HIV might be a genetically engineered virus that went awry. Whatever the origin, HIV is a type of virus called a retrovirus. This means that it is spread primarily through two different means. The first is through sexual contact such as oral sex or sexual intercourse. The second means of transmission is through blood-to-blood contact (which can occur when intravenous drug users share needles). It was once more commonly spread by blood transfusions, or the use of blood products like clotting factors if the blood used for these has become infected. One of the most vulnerable populations to HIV, are Hemophiliacs who require a specific coagulation factor found in blood concentrates. This is now rare in the United States, as well as other parts of the world due to the screening of blood for the presence of HIV antibodies. The HIV antibodies are the initial sign of an HIV infection. Even with the careful blood screening process HIV infected blood may sometimes pass the tests undetected. HIV is dangerous because the antibodies may not appear in the blood for several months after it was acquired, therefore a blood test taken from a person who recently contracted it may not be detected right away. This can be stressful for individuals at risk, as they may be carrying the virus but not know it for several months or even years. At the present time, Blood products are currently being heated in hopes of destroying the virus, yet many AIDS advocates raise concerns that this process may not be as effective as hoped. Fortunately, the American Association of Blood Banks reports that only 1 in 676,000 recipients of blood transfusions currently become infected with the HIV virus.

What is a Virus? We know that the infectious diseases are caused by virus minute organisms. Viruses are the smallest of all infecting organisms. They are even smaller than bacteria which are neither resolvable by the unaided eye nor even they are recognizable by an ordinary light microscope. It is only resolvable by an electron microscope. What is HIV? HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It is a member of the Retroviridae family. In 1980, the description of the virus was first noticed. Therefore, for sometimes it was called by plethora of names, at present, it is it is internationally called and accepted as HIV this virus destroys the immune system of human body i.e. the bodys defiance states by entering into the Thelper cells and thus permanently incapacitating bodys total functional ability. AIDS and Present World According to the report of UNAIDS of 2005 this year 4.9 million people newly affected by HIV. At present approximately 4.03 million people already affected by HIV. Only in 2005 3.01 million people died by this disease. Recent years female and drug affected are being largely affected by AIDS. In the year 1997 out of total affected people of HIV 41% were. But in 2005 this figure increased to nearly 50%. According to statistics of 2005 in Asia 8.03 million were by HIV of which 2 million were female. In the year 2005 about 0.4 million people died by HIV in this region and nearly doubt i.e. 1.01 million people affected by AIDS. In India, China of Asia HIV spread in epidemic form. As a populace HIV affected country after South Africa, India is next. In the year 2002 approximately 4.06 million people in India were affected by HIV. In 2005 this figure exceeds 5.00 million. Cambodia, Myanmar and Thailand really fighting against the epidemic form AIDS. The Brief History of AIDS In 1959, the first positive case of HIV was detected in Great Britain. The victim later died. AIDS spread out in Africa during the 1970s. AIDS was identified first as clinical entity in 1981 and in 1983 HIV was detected as the cause of AIDS the method of detection of HIV in blood was discovered in 1985. During 1977-8 AIDS was first detected in the USA, Haiti and Africa. Later AIDS was discovered in the gay community of the USA. In 1983 through blood screening 2500 AIDS patients were deeded only in the USA. HIV-1 was discovered in the Pasteur Institute of Paris, France. In 1989, about 20359 AIDS cases were detected in 152 countries in the world. At the same year, a foreign male prisoner in Bangladesh was found to be carrying HIV in his blood.

HIV Carrier Only he/she who possesses HIV with in his or her body is known as a HIV carrier and any time the affected person either being completely ignorant of the fact or knowingly may transmit this deadly virus to another person. The most terrifying is that in most of the time the actual status of the HIV carriers cannot be determinant, be they are males or females. Because the HIV positive cases asymptomatic and the initial HIV carriers from whom the diseases have spread, may also possess no sign or symptom what so ever. Location of HIV The HIV is found present in the blood, semen, vaginal secretion, saliva, tear and urine and breast milk of an infected person. But due to the person of a very small amount of HIV, AIDS cannot be transmitted through the tears, urine or saliva, according to the opinions of the specialists. How AIDS Spreads? AIDS is nothing but dangerous venereal disease that emerges an offspring of illicit sexual relationship. It usually spreads through blood, semen and vaginal fluid, when the circulating blood or breached mucus membrane of a health person comes in time contact of blood, semen and vaginal fluid of a HIV/AIDS patient. The former thus becomes infected with HIV. When one of the sex partners is an HIV/AIDS affected person then the other healthy partner may contact the same whether they are engaged in heterosexual activities. This is the mode of transmission of HIV/AIDS in about 90% of the cases. If mother is AIDS affected then her child must be AIDS affected. How AIDS Does Not Spreads? HIV cannot survive for long outside its human host. Therefore the day-to-day, lifestyle or social activities or social relationship may not help its spread. HIV does not spread through shaking hands on first meet, staying together in the same social settings (like house, educational institute, working place, restaurants and public toilets), hugging, eating food together from the same plate, using affected persons cloth, bites of insects. How to Detect HIV/AIDS Affected Patients? At the very early stages of AIDS, some patients may experience sweats at night, feverish tendency, common cold and recurrent episodes of throat infection. This early phase is known as Flu like syndrome. This is followed by a long interval of asymptomatic phase. Therefore, prior to his/her final confirmatory diagnosis the patient may suffer from a myriad of symptoms of virus infections.

Which Age Group Contact HIV Most? It learnt from various study reports that the age-range of HIV/AIDS affected people is with in 15 to 59 years of life. And the young people between the age group of 15 to 25 are the most vulnerable. The youths of the age group are the backbone of the nation. Therefore HIV/AIDS infection among these blooming buds certainly warns of future destruction of a nation as a whole. Detection of AIDS in Adults Major indications: 1. More than 10% loss body weight. 2. Continuous diarrhea for more than a month. 3. Continuous fever or feverish tendency for more than a month. Minor indications: 1. Dry unproductive continuous cough for more than a month. 2. Generalized itching skin exanthemas. 3. Recurrent attacks of Herpes Zoster infection 4. Recurrent generalized attacks Herpes simples infection. 5. General loss of memory inelegancy. Detection of AIDS in Children Major indications: 1. General loss of body weight. 2. Growth retardation. 3. Persistence diarrhea for more than a month. Minor indications: 1. Generalized swelling/puffiness of the body. 2. Generalized lympahadenopathy. 3. Continuous/chronic cough 4. Persistence of skin manifestation. Who might get AIDS and how? No one is spread from the risk of contracting HIV/AIDS. Anyone who comes in contact of the virus may, at any time, tat infected with in. especially those people are at high risk who are involved in unnatural, perverted sexual activities, suffering from different venereal diseases, having sores in their genitalia, having multiple sex partners, prostitutes(male/female) and the gay community. Besides, unscreened transfusion, or untested blood transfusion made from donations obtained from unknown donor of HIV/AIDS status, using use needles syringes, intravenous drug abusers and alcoholics are all higher risk contracting HIV/AIDS.

Moreover, as started earlier HIV/AIDS affected mothers can give to unfortunate offspring with this infection. Who Are Make Aware of HIV/AIDS? All person of the society, irrespective of age, religion, color, social position and financial status must be made aware of everything about the deadly catastrophe, an HIV/AIDS Free Society will help to gain our goal of achieving HIV/AIDS Free World. A Careful and Responsible Life-Style The HIV/AIDS is transmitted mostly through blood, semen and vaginal fluid. There fore do unnatural, perverted illicit sexual activities. Only a noble, sacred and trust worthy married life can protect anyone from this deadly disease. Person should maintain sexual relationship with only one trustworthy sex partner (the partner must have not HIV virus). Nobody should not sex with Commercial Sex Workers. This is very dangerous. How to Treat an AIDS Victim No medicine has so far been invented that can cure AIDS. Azidothymidine (AZT) and a very few other drugs can some how slow down the speedy advancement of the disease process, but this drugs are very costly and rare. As the patient loses their resistance power they suffer various symptoms. The symptoms are to be treated as far as possible. Simultaneously step should be also taken to keep them free from all agonies. The long tradition of loosing herbal medications for simple pain, itching, fever or other signs and symptoms should be allowed to continue when needed. But this must be kept in mind these are not any treatment these are only for temporary relief.

AIDS in Bangladesh
Some days ago we proudly say we are AIDS free. But now we are finding Bangladesh is not free from AIDS. In 1989 the first AIDS patient was discovered in Bangladesh. But in 2004 the number of AIDS patient was in Bangladesh was 465. Bangladesh could not escape from AIDS. The killer disease is spreading with an enormous in the countries like India, Nepal, Thailand and Myanmar. The experts are apprehending that the days are not when it will break out epidemic in Bangladesh. In India, where there were only nine person bearing HIV according to a report of the WHO the number now has gone up to 0.2 million. The situation of Thailand is also deteriorating and it has been reported the position of Nepal is not also satisfactory. Even in Myanmar, which is politically dissociated with the outer world, HIV has been spreading dangerously. The people of Bangladesh never knew the name of this terrible disease. It was never thought by any quarter that AIDS would comes Bangladesh. But the situation took a quick turn and Bangladesh too feel prey to AIDS. The incidents of AIDS are now increasing alarmingly in Bangladesh as well. The information which is being printed in daily newspapers about AIDS is most threatening to every citizen of the country. The First AIDS Patients in Bangladesh One Romelda Brao from Spain was arrested at the Dhaka airport in connection with smuggling gang in 1989. He was a member of an international smuggling gang. When he brought to Dhaka Central Jail, it was reveled that he was carrying AIDS virus. Though he was sent back to his native land, but within a short space of time one Ishaque of Coxs Bazaar, who came back from foreign country, was diagnosed as AIDS patients. Knowing the news the whole country got terrified. AIDS Virus Test Center in Bangladesh At present there are seven government-run hospitals and a few other privately owned laboratories for testing AIDS in Bangladesh. These are: 1. Virology Department, Bangabandhu Sk. Mugiber Medical College Hospital, Dhaka 2. IPH, Mohakhali, Dhaka 3. APL, Dhaka Cantonment, Dhaka 4. AIIDCR, Mohakhali, Dhaka 5. Microbiology Department, Chittagong Medical College Hospital 6. Microbiology Department, Shylet MAG Osmany Medical College Hospital, Shylet 7. Microbiology Department, Khulna Medical College Hospital, Khulna.

In all these centers, expecting the privately owned ones, no charges are made for AIDS Virus tests. These centers also do not disclose the names and address of the AIDS patients to any one. Code numbers are being used for the test of patients instead for their names and address. How AIDS Can Be Prevented in Bangladesh There is no medicine to cure or prevent the deadly AIDS. Medical scientists all over the world have so far failed to discover any way out to tackle this lethal disease. Therefore, leading a descent life with imbued with the spirit of strong moral character is the only weapon the fight the danger of AIDS threat. Let us not forget the free sex, homosexuality, perverted life spread up catastrophe of AIDS and other deadly venereal disease. What Should Govt. Do? The Govt. shall have to take the effective initiative to implement the following measure: 1. To crude sexual madness among the people the Bangladesh Govt. must frame the strict provision of laws, however unpalatable those might be, and punish the violators. 2. Compulsory religious education must be introduced at all levels people 3. Like western countries it must be made mandatory for all foreign visitors to Bangladesh to show their No AIDS Certificate before enter this country. 4. For its, effective implement, if needed, the Govt. should make prevision for paying fee of doctors and technician. 5. Constant watch must be maintained on the movement of the citizen of those countries where, according WHO, AIDS are rampant. 6. All people of the border areas of Bangladesh must be made aware of the danger of AIDS. They should be motivated to build up descent moral character through religious education. 7. Steps should be taken to create a social and congenial environment that prevents women to become prostitute. 8. Initiative should be taken to include sex education in National Education Program along the proper religious emphasis.

10

Charts
1. All of Above Illicit Sexual Relationship Take AIDS Affected Person's Blood Using Affected Person's Syringe Causes of AIDS
18 16 14 12 Number 10 8 6 4 Series4 Series3 Series2 Series1

16 8 2 0

2.

0 Create Awareness Among People All of Above Illicit Sexual Take AIDS Using Affected Promote Chastity, Especially Make Awareness AmongPerson's People Young Relationship Affected Hospitals Must Use Intact Syringe Person's Blood Syringe Sulution of AIDS Causes Especially Make Awareness Among Young Generation 25 20 Number 15 10 5 0 Create Awarness Among Peopl Promote Hospitals Must Especially Chastity, Use Intatct Make Especially Syringe Awarness Make Among Young Awarness Generation 11 Among Young People Series7 Series6 Series5 Series4 Series3 Series2 Series1

22 2 1 3

Conclusion
To conclude, we fervently appeal to all not to hate or avoid the AIDS patients. Undoubtedly they are belonging to the world society. Infected by the deadly disease they are now continuing their days of life aimed great despair. They have fallen prey to their own mistake which they have committed during an unguarded moment of their live. To extend all out support and help to these ill-fated persons at this stage of their critical hour is our religious and moral responsibility. We must remember that the AIDS victims are some bodys father or mother, brother or sister, son or daughter. There fore so long they are alive they deserve all out support and affection from the members of their family and society. Let us not forget that man is mortal and every one of us shall die sometime on someday. We should not only claim ourselves as human being but also come forward to extend our helping hand to help the distress people for their welfare. We must also keep our special attention towards the aids affected children so that they do not remain ignored or unattended. Any one among us may fall victim to this deadly disease. If we hate and avoid or become afraid of the AIDS, it will be extremely difficult to prevent the spread of this dangerous disease and we must checked the increasing the number of AIDS patients.

12

Recommendation
After collecting data and analysis them we find that the number of AIDS patient in Bangladesh is not very much (464 in 2004). The killer disease is spreading with an enormous in the countries like India, Nepal, Thailand and Myanmar. For this experts say Bangladesh is in risky position. But the sad news is maximum people do not know clearly about the AIDS. The information which is being printed in daily newspapers about AIDS is most threatening to every citizen of the country. Statistics show that AIDS is not only rampant in third world countries such as Africa, but with the youth of America who are becoming the most at-risk group to date. We must educate our youth and teach them not only how to practice safe sex (by using condoms), but abstinence as well. The future of our world depends upon our ability to stop the transmission of this deadly and incurable plaque. In our observation if Government does not take necessary step to prevent this disease, then the number of AIDS patient is increasing day by day in our country. And also non Government organizations like NGOs, private clinic come forward to prevent AIDS.

13

Appendix
1. Report Outline 2. Questioner 3. Interviews 4. Graphs 5. Secondary Sources

14

Report Outline Summary: The present world is in danger due to spreading HIV/AIDS. In many countries of the world HIV/AIDS appeared in epidemic form. Bangladesh also faces the problem. In 1989 the first AIDS patient was identified in Bangladesh. From the first in 2004 the numbers of AIDS patients are 465. Between this 87 are affected and 44 are died. Although the number is small according to specialist Bangladesh is also in danger. In Bangladesh the percentage of AIDS affected is less than 1%. But between the sex worker the percentage of sexual disease is increased, drug affected people take drug to using the syringe and general people do not know clearly about the AIDS, for this Bangladesh is also in danger. Introduction Purpose: the purpose of this report is to level of awareness about AIDS in Bangladesh and to recommend solutions for its elimination. Methodology: The report is based on data acquired from the primary source and secondary source in order to achieve the objectives of this study. Generally we collect data from different source such as internet, news paper, journals etc. After collecting data we simplified the data and then include our paper. The question we have. Analysis data, which we get. Limitation: Mainly we collect data from secondary source. But if we collect data from primary source we can make better report. Otherwise time is very short, if we get more time we will make better report. Scope: What is AIDS? What is a Virus? What is HIV? Brief History of AIDS AIDS and Present World HIV Carrier Location of HIV How AIDS Spreads? How AIDS does not spreads? How to Detected HIV/AIDS Affected Patients? Which Age Group Contact HIV Most? Detection of AIDS in Adults Detection of AIDS in Children Who might get AIDS and how? Who Are Make Aware of HIV/AIDS? A Careful and Responsible Life Style How to Treat an AIDS Victim?
15

AIDS in Bangladesh The First AIDS Patient in Bangladesh AIDS Virus Test Center in Bangladesh How AIDS can be prevented in Bangladesh What Govt. Should Do?

Conclusion: To conclude, we fervently appeal to all not to hate or avoid the AIDS patients. Undoubtedly they are belonging to the world society. Infected by the deadly disease they are now continuing their days of life aimed great despair. They have fallen prey to their own mistake which they have committed during an unguarded moment of their live. To extend all out support and help to these illfated persons at this stage of their critical hour is our religious and moral responsibility. We must remember that the AIDS victims are some bodys father or mother, brother or sister, son or daughter. There fore so long they are alive they deserve all out support and affection from the members of their family and society. Let us not forget that man is mortal and every one of us shall die sometime on someday. We should not only claim ourselves as human being but also come forward to extend our helping hand to help the distress people for their welfare. We must also keep our special attention towards the aids affected children so that they do not remain ignored or unattended. Recommendations: After collecting data and analysis them we find that the number of AIDS patient in Bangladesh is not very much (464 in 2004). The killer disease is spreading with an enormous in the countries like India, Nepal, Thailand and Myanmar. For this experts say Bangladesh is in risky position. But the sad news is maximum people do not know clearly about the AIDS. The information which is being printed in daily newspapers about AIDS is most threatening to every citizen of the country. Statistics show that AIDS is not only rampant in third world countries such as Africa, but with the youth of America who are becoming the most at-risk group to date. We must educate our youth and teach them not only how to practice safe sex (by using condoms), but abstinence as well. The future of our world depends upon our ability to stop the transmission of this deadly and incurable plaque. Bibliography: 1. How to Avoid AIDS By Kabir Uddin Ahmed 3rd Edition. 2. AIDS and Present World By Dr. Michel A. Morris 5th Edition Appendix

16

Questionnaire AIDS Problem In Bangladesh The purpose of this survey is to determine how much people know about AIDS and what according to them eliminate it? Demographic Information: Age: Under 18 19-25 26-35 36-45 45 and above Gender: Male Female Occupation: _____________________ Survey Question 1. Do you know what AIDS is? Yes No Not clearly 2. What do you think is the main cause of AIDS? Illicit sexual relation Using affected persons syringe Take AIDS affected persons blood All of above Other reason(s) 3. If you have chosen last opinion in question 2, what are the other reason(s)? 4. Do you think victims are only women? Yes Mostly No I do not know 5. If you heard a person is affected by AIDS what is to be done then? Take the person to the hospital

17

 Leave the person I do not know 6. How do you think the patients are affected besides being physically damaged? Mental depression Social isolation Discontinuation of education Ruin of personal life All of above 7. How do you think society could be protected from AIDS? Make awareness between the people Limit availability of drug Especially make awareness between young generations Other measure 8. If you suggestion? have chosen the last opinion in Q. 7 give your

9. Do you think AIDS is growing fast in Bangladesh? Yes No I do not know 10. Would you give work an AIDS patient in your organization? Yes No No comments 11. Would you donate money to the AIDS patient relief fund? Yes No 12. If you chosen last option in Q. 11, please explain why?

13. Do you hate AIDS patient? Yes No 14. Do you think you can get AIDS if you eat from an affected persons plate? Yes

18

 No I do not know 15. Does one get AIDS, if one stays the same house with an AIDS patient? Yes No I do not know 16. Do you think Govt. has taken necessary action to prevent AIDS? Yes No 17. Do you think Bangladesh can prevent AIDS? Yes No Not clearly Graphs Year 1989 Year 2004 1 465 1.

No. of AIDS Patient in Bangladesh at 1989 & 2004

500 450 400 350 No. of Patient 300 250 200 150 100 50 0 Year 1989 Year Year 2004 Series1

2.
19

Year 1997 Year 2005

41% 50% No. of Percentage of AIDS Affected People

60%

50%

40% Persent

30%

Series1

20%

10%

0% Year 1997 Year Yrar 2005

3.
20

Year 2002 Year 2005

4060000 5000000
No. of AIDS Patient in India at Year 2002 & 2005

6000000 5000000 No. of AIDS Patient 4000000 3000000 2000000 1000000 0 Year 2002 Year Year 2005 Series1

4.

21

Total HIV Affected Affected by AIDS Died

500 450 400 350 No. of AIDS Patient 300 250 200 150 100 50 0 Total HIV Affected

465 87 44

Series2 Series1

Affected by AIDS

Died

Secondary Sources AIDS is a disorder of the immune system in which the bodys ability to defend itself becomes greatly diminished. This is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), which invades the immune cells (also known as key white blood cells called T Lymphocytes or T cells). As HIV invades the T cells and multiplies, the immune system begins to deteriorate causing infections, cancers and even death. The strange fact about this disease is that most deaths occurring among people with AIDS are the result of the many infections and cancers to which the body becomes vulnerable, not by the AIDS virus itself. AIDS is considered a monumental modern-day medical plague as there is no known cure and because it is experienced as a variety of various illnesses resulting from the initial HIV infection. The origin of HIV is not known, although the earliest documented cases of AIDS appeared in 1981. Researchers now believe that there were many undocumented cases during the 1970s. It is speculated that HIV might be a genetically engineered virus that went awry. Whatever the origin, HIV is a type of

22

virus called a retrovirus. This means that it is spread primarily through two different means. The first is through sexual contact such as oral sex or sexual intercourse. The second means of transmission is through blood-to-blood contact (which can occur when intravenous drug users share needles). It was once more commonly spread by blood transfusions, or the use of blood products like clotting factors if the blood used for these has become infected. One of the most vulnerable populations to HIV, are Hemophiliacs who require a specific coagulation factor found in blood concentrates. This is now rare in the United States, as well as other parts of the world due to the screening of blood for the presence of HIV antibodies. The HIV antibodies are the initial sign of an HIV infection. Even with the careful blood screening process HIV infected blood may sometimes pass the tests undetected. HIV is dangerous because the antibodies may not appear in the blood for several months after it was acquired, therefore a blood test taken from a person who recently contracted it may not be detected right away. This can be stressful for individuals at risk, as they may be carrying the virus but not know it for several months or even years. At the present time, Blood products are currently being heated in hopes of destroying the virus, yet many AIDS advocates raise concerns that this process may not be as effective as hoped. Fortunately, the American Association of Blood Banks reports that only 1 in 676,000 recipients of blood transfusions currently become infected with the HIV virus. HIV is also transmitted when medical workers and dentists come in close contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals under certain conditions. As a preventative measure it is now a requirement of all medical professionals, dentists, paramedics and law enforcement officers to prevent contact by wearing rubber gloves. This also protects the patients as well. The most unfortunate victims of HIV are babies who contract the virus from their mothers through pregnancy, birth or breast-feeding. Although this does not occur in every case, statistics show that 25% of these babies do become infected before or during the birth process. It is not clear to Scientists, what factors determine whether or not a child will become infected, but they are diligently working to find the answers. It is known however, that drug therapy used during pregnancy and bottle-feeding after birth can dramatically decrease the possibility of transmission from mother-to-infant. Although the world has known about the AIDS virus for the past 20 years including the fact that it has killed millions of people, millions more continue to become infected every day. There is no known cure for AIDS and the reality is that it is going to be around for a very long time. Many people who feel that they are not at risk for HIV or AIDS may not see how this disease can affect them or why it is important to become educated about it. Unfortunately, it has become a worldwide epidemic. Statistics show that AIDS is not only rampant in third world countries such as Africa, but with the youth of America who are becoming the most at-risk group to date. We must educate our youth and teach them not only

23

how to practice safe sex (by using condoms), but abstinence as well. The future of our world depends upon our ability to stop the transmission of this deadly and incurable plaque.

24

References
Newspaper: 1. Prothom Alo Date: 1st December 2005. 2. The Daily Star Date: 1st December 2005. 3. The Bangladesh Observer Date: 1st December

25

Bibliography
1. How to Avoid AIDS By Kabir Uddin Ahmed 3rd Edition. 2. AIDS and Present World By Dr. Michel A. Morris 5th Edition

26

Glossary
Approximately: About Bacteria: Microbes Blooming: Blossoming Carrier: Transporter Commercial: Profitable Defiance: Insolence Descent: Fall Deserve: Merit Desire: Misery Distress: Suffering Enormous: Huge Epidemic: Plague Experience: Skill Fervently: Ardently Gay: Homosexual Ignorant: Unaware Illicit: Illegal Immune: Resistant Incapacitating: Devastating Infectious: Catching Internationally: Globally Major: Main Minor: Slight Multiple: Many Perverted: Distorted Phase: Stage Screening: Show Shaking: Trembling Syndrome: Condition Syndrome: Condition Terrifying: Scary Undoubtedly: Certainly Virus: Bug

27

Index
AIDS P. 03 American Association of Blood Banks P. 05 Azidothymidine (AZT) P. 09 Blood-to-blood contact P. 04 Commercial Sex Workers P. 09 Descent life P. 12 Enormous P. 14 First AIDS patient P. 11 Flu like syndrome P. 07 Gay community P. 08 Government P.14 Hemophiliacs P. 04 HIV P. 04 HIV carrier P. 06 Illicit sexual relationship P. 06 Immune cells P. 04 Immune system P. 04 Laboratories P. 11 Microscope P. 05 Oral sex P. 04 Plague P. 04 Retroviridae P. 05 Terrible disease P. 12 T-helper cells P. 05 UNAIDS P. 05 Venereal disease P. 06 Virus P. 05

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