1. IMPORTANT FACTS:
 It is not possible to tell if someone has HIV just by looking at them
 People infected with HIV often do not have any symptoms
 The only way to know if someone has HIV is to have them tested
 It can take years for HIV to damaged the immune system enough for
AIDS to develop
 It is possible for HIV-positive people to pass on the virus immediately
after becoming infected, even if they feel healthy
HIV/AIDS CAN BE PREVENTED BY:
 Getting tested for HIV status
 Abstinence (useful for youths and unmarried individuals)
 Being faithful to one tested and HIV/AIDS-free partner
 Proper use of condoms
 Using universal precautions
 Safer infant feeding
 Reducing stigma and discrimination
HIV/AIDS IS NOT TRANSMITTED BY:
 Dry kisses
 Sharing utensils/toilets with an HIV-infected person
 Eating with an HIV-infected person
 Playing with people living with HIV/AIDS
 Sitting with an HIV-infected person
 Sleeping next to a person living with HIV/AIDS
 Living with a person with HIV/AIDS
 Eating food cooked by a person living with HIV/AIDS
 Working with a person living with HIV/AIDS
The Truth About
HIV/AIDS
Tanzania Agriculture
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Increasedincomes through enhanced productivity
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2. USAID www.tanzania-agric.org USAID-TAPPUSAID-TAPP tapp@fintrac.com
he Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) gradually attacks the
immune system, causing the body to become more vulnerable to
disease and infection.
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a result of HIV infection.
It occurs when the immune system becomes too weak to fight off illness.
WHERE IS HIV FOUND IN THE BODY?
HIV is found in the blood and sexual fluids of infected people and in the
breast milk of infected women.
WHAT IS THE IMPACT OF HIV/AIDS?
 Reduced life expectancy
 Loss of income-earners in families
 Reduced productivity
 Reduced economic growth and development
HOW IS HIV TRANSMITTED?
Infected blood products
There is a chance of HIV infection through the use of blood
transfusions and blood products contaminated with the virus.
Sharing sharp instruments and injecting equipment
If sufficient blood from an HIV-positive person enters someone else’s
body, the virus can be passed on through the blood. HIV can also be
passed on when needles and syringes are used by an infected
person and then shared with someone else.
Unprotected Sex
Unprotected sexual intercourse between partners with unknown HIV
statuses is unsafe. Sexual intercourse without a condom carries the
risk of HIV infection. More than 80 percent of HIV infections are
transmitted through sexual contact.
From Mother to Child
It is possible for an HIV-positive woman to pass the virus during:
 Pregnancy – a pregnant woman infected with HIV has a chance
of transmitting the virus to her unborn child, especially if she
suffers from uterine infections.
 Delivery– with prolonged and difficult labor, there is a chance
that the infant will be infected.
 Lactation – A lactating HIV-positive mother has a higher chance
of transmitting the virus to the infant by breastfeeding, especially
if she does not follow medical advice.
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