What is AIDS? Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

Being HIV-positive is not the same as having AIDS. Many people are HIV-positive but do not have AIDS. HIV weakens the immune system over time, which makes the person more vulnerable to viruses, parasites, fungi and bacteria that most people's immune systems are able to easily overcome (information from AIDS.org).

Video:

"Take The Lead" | Watch a World AIDS Campaign video from the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (from UNAIDS)

Read about HIV/AIDS In the News

The Big Picture: HIV/AIDS and children. According to UNICEF, HIV/AIDS is becoming a disease of the young and vulnerable, particularly girls. How widespread is the HIV/AIDS epidemic? How does HIV affect young people? How does HIV/AIDS affect girls and women? What needs to be done to fight HIV/AIDS? More from UNICEF >>

Product RED | "As first-world consumers, we have tremendous power. What we collectively choose to buy, or not to buy, can change the course of history and life on this planet." Slideshow >>

"The Global Fund has selected established grants...to receive money raised through (RED). To date,...$30.8 million has flowed directly to Global Fund financed grants in Ghana, Rwanda and Swaziland. In these countries this money is helping to finance comprehensive national HIV/AIDS programs led by the ministries of health, to provide antiretroviral treatment for children and adults, to assist in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, as well as essential counseling and testing activities to reduce the overall risk of HIV transmission.

"Additional contributions of funds will continue to be made to these programs as they achieve tangible, measurable results in their lifesaving work." (from Product RED website)