AIDS is a disease characterized by the destruction of the human immune system. It stands today as a global epidemic, that originated in sub Saharan Africa during the twentieth century. Although there are treatments to hinder the progress of AIDS, there is yet not known cure or vaccine.

When a person is infected with HIV, (virus of AIDS) the virus enters the body and lives and multiplies primarily in the white blood cells. These immune cells normally protect us from disease. The hallmark of HIV infection is the progressive loss of a specific type of immune cell called T-helper or CD4 cells.

According to The Joint United Nations Program (UNAIDS), there are over 40 million people living with HIV or AIDS worldwide. Most of them do not know they carry HIV and may be spreading the virus to others. Here in the U.S., nearly one million people have HIV infection or AIDS, or roughly one out of every 250 people. At least 40,000 Americans become newly infected with HIV each year, and it is estimated that half of all people with HIV in the U.S. have not been tested and do not know they are carrying the virus. AIDS has killed more than 30 million people worldwide. More than 500,000 Americans. Over 13 million children have been orphaned by the epidemic.

There is still no cure for AIDS. Therefore, new drugs are helping many people with HIV/AIDS live longer, healthier lives.

The CDC's National AIDS Hotline can answer questions about HIV testing and refer you to testing sites in your area. Operators are available toll-free, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at:

1-800-342-2437 (English)

1-800-344-7432 (Spanish)

1-800-243-7889 (TTY/deaf access)