HIV / AIDS

Fieldset

HIV / AIDS

HIV is a virus that gradually weakens the body’s immune system, over a period of up to ten years. AIDS is the late stage of HIV, when a person’s immune system is so weak it can no longer fight off certain infections, such as pneumonia.

Anti-retroviral drugs (known as ARVs) help to combat the virus, enabling people to live longer, healthier lives without their immune systems rapidly declining.

HIV/AIDS is spread through the exchange of body fluids (e.g. through sex, childbirth etc) so it is vital people know their status. Médecins Sans Frontières / Doctors Without Borders (MSF)’s HIV projects not only provide ARV treatment and support, but also raise awareness about HIV testing and prevention.

Rob Verrecchia

Doctor

Treating Mothers, Protecting Babies

In a small village in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, access to HIV testing and treatment can be a challenge. Dr Rob is part of a team aiming to change that...

22 Oct 2015 / 2 minute read

Ann Sellberg

Doctor

“It is called ‘HIV’”

I remember the first child I brought to the counsellor for disclosure – finding out they are HIV positive.

18 Mar 2015 / 3 minute read

Emilie Venables

Anthropologist

Conversations on the ground

When I was working as an anthropologist and operational researcher in KwaZulu Natal, I conducted a lot of interviews with local ‘stakeholders’ and community members.

14 Nov 2014 / 6 minute read

Emilie Venables

Anthropologist

Farm Girl

“Farm Girl”. This is my new nickname from the team in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. It does, unfortunately, have several negative connotations.

27 Oct 2014 / 6 minute read

Emilie Venables

Anthropologist

Reflections from South Africa

I write this on a flight between Cape Town and Johannesburg, fuelled by caffeine and weary after a few days by the sea to attend an HIV conference.

03 Oct 2014 / 3 minute read

Paul Foreman

Country Management Team

Zak

"Working in MSF, I have the privilege to work with some extraordinary individuals. Since arriving in Zimbabwe, I have been fortunate enough to be working alongside one such medical professional, Zakariah Mwatia, the outgoing project coordinator in Epworth."

12 Dec 2011 / 6 minute read

Paul Foreman

Country Management Team

World AIDS Day I

World Aids Day – December 1st, 2011 – a day on which the slogan, “Getting to Zero” is meant to have some resonance. Zero New HIV Infections. Zero Discrimination and Zero AIDS Related Deaths.

29 Nov 2011 / 6 minute read

Paul Foreman

Country Management Team

Overspill

My name is Paul Foreman and I want to blog about the people of Zimbabwe. I’m head of mission, so I spend much of my time close to government officials and sitting in meetings, but nevertheless the

10 Oct 2011 / 7 minute read

MSB4072.jpg

Florian Lems/MSF

Fieldset

Ready to support the team?

Your donation helps us act fast and save lives

Donate