• Blog - Diseases & Conditions - Health Issues

    HIV and Aging: Unique Health Considerations

    Introduction Thanks to advances in antiretroviral therapy (ART), people living with HIV are now living longer, healthier lives. In fact, more than half of all people living with HIV in many countries are over the age of 50. While this is a remarkable achievement in public health, it also introduces a new set of challenges: aging with HIV. Older adults with HIV face unique health considerations that go beyond managing the virus. These include an increased risk of age-related diseases, drug interactions, cognitive decline, and social or mental health issues. This article explores the intersection of HIV and aging, and…

  • Blog - Diseases & Conditions - Health Issues

    Mental Health and HIV: Addressing Anxiety, Depression, and Stigma

    Introduction Living with HIV today is very different from it was decades ago. With the success of antiretroviral therapy (ART), HIV has become a manageable chronic condition. However, many people living with HIV still face significant mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, and stigma. The emotional burden of an HIV diagnosis, along with societal judgment and internalized shame, can deeply affect a person’s mental well-being. Mental health is not separate from HIV care — it’s a critical part of living a healthy, fulfilling life. This article explores how HIV and mental health intersect, the impact of stigma, and practical strategies…

  • Blog - Prevention & Wellness

    Common Opportunistic Infections and How to Prevent Them

    Introduction When the immune system is weakened—such as by HIV, certain cancers, or immunosuppressive medications—the body becomes more vulnerable to infections that a healthy immune system would typically fight off. These are referred to as opportunistic infections (OIs). For people living with HIV, especially those with a low CD4 count, OIs can lead to serious illness or even death if not prevented or treated early. The good news is that most OIs are preventable through medication, routine screenings, and healthy habits. This article explores the most common OIs, who is at risk, and practical strategies to prevent them. What Are…

  • Blog - Diseases & Conditions - Health Issues

    HIV Testing: Types, Accuracy, and Where to Get Tested

    Introduction HIV testing is the first step in protecting your health and the health of others. Whether you’re sexually active, sharing needles, or simply want peace of mind, knowing your HIV status empowers you to make informed decisions. Early diagnosis leads to early treatment, which in turn improves long-term health outcomes and prevents the transmission of diseases. This guide explains the different types of HIV tests, their accuracy, when to get tested, and where to find confidential testing services. 1. Why HIV Testing Matters 2. Who Should Get Tested for HIV? According to health organizations like the CDC and WHO:…

  • Blog - Diseases & Conditions - Health Issues

    Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U): The Science Explained

    Introduction Imagine living with HIV and knowing that you cannot pass the virus to your sexual partners. That’s the life-changing message of U=U — Undetectable = Untransmittable. Backed by years of scientific research and endorsed by major health organizations worldwide, U=U means that people living with HIV who maintain an undetectable viral load cannot sexually transmit the virus to others. This article breaks down the science behind U=U, what it means for people with HIV, and how it’s changing public health, relationships, and lives. What Does “Undetectable” Mean? When someone is on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and takes their medication consistently,…

  • Blog - Diseases & Conditions - Health Issues

    HIV Treatment (ART): How Modern Meds Turn HIV into a Chronic Condition

    Introduction Once considered a fatal diagnosis, HIV is now a manageable chronic condition—thanks to groundbreaking advances in medical treatment, especially ART (Antiretroviral Therapy). Today, with early diagnosis and consistent treatment, people living with HIV can expect to live long, healthy, and productive lives. This article explores how ART works, why it’s essential, and how modern HIV care has transformed the course of the disease. What Is ART (Antiretroviral Therapy)? Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) is the standard medical treatment for HIV. It involves taking a combination of medicines daily to suppress the virus, reduce the risk of complications, and prevent transmission to…

  • Blog - Diseases & Conditions

    Understanding HIV Transmission: Facts vs. Myths

    Introduction HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) remains one of the most misunderstood medical conditions in the world, largely due to persistent myths and outdated information. While scientific advances have significantly improved our understanding of HIV—how it’s transmitted, prevented, and treated—misconceptions still fuel stigma, discrimination, and unnecessary fear. This article aims to separate facts from fiction, helping you understand how HIV is transmitted, how it is not, and why accurate knowledge is a crucial step toward prevention, compassion, and better health outcomes. What Is HIV? HIV is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system, specifically CD4 cells (T cells), which help…