Learning About and Living With HIV/AIDS

The World Health Organization is the health authority for the United Nations. This Web site lists member countries and addresses a variety of health issues. To reach the HIV/AIDS page or to search for other health topics, click on the “Health topics” link on the left side of the page. Read through the “Related Topics” section, which focuses on Immunization and HIV/AIDS, Nutrition and HIV/AIDS, as well as oral health and HIV/AIDS. The “Publications” section breaks down ideas such as advocacy, AIDS policies, and monitoring and evaluation by categories and by topics. For statistical information, the Epidemiological Fact Sheets in the UNAIDS/WHO Global HIV/AIDS Online Database are easier to use than the Data Query option. The “Related Topics,” “Publications,” and statistical information are all accessible from the “HIV infections” page.

UNAIDS was created by 10 United Nations system organizations. The “Regions” tab has in-depth statistical information about specific regions of the world with respect to HIV. The “Issues” section is also a great feature, with HIV-related topics divided into four categories: Prevention, treatment, and care; Affected communities; Research; and The impact of HIV.

The World Bank discusses the cases of HIV/AIDS in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Learn about the economic costs of HIV in these regions, the potential for the virus to spread, and where the World Bank has issued grants in order to combat the spread of HIV/AIDS.

AfroAIDSinfo covers several aspects of HIV/AIDS in southern Africa. Choose from an array of topics including education, policy updates, and health and research to learn about HIV/AIDS in southern Africa. If you prefer to customize the look of this page for your own needs, a free registration will enable you to do this. The registration also signs you up for e-newsletters.

The International Crisis Group is dedicated to preventing worldwide conflict. This Web site reviews HIV/AIDS policies in countries such as Myanmar, Uganda, and Russia, as well as the security threats posed by HIV/AIDS. While the site provides a picture of the HIV/AIDS situation in several countries, some of the articles are at least two years old or older.

The Global Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS (GNP+) is the only worldwide network that represents all people with HIV/AIDS and takes an active role in advocating for the rights of people with HIV and AIDS. Members inform governments about weaknesses in HIV/AIDS programs and work to end human rights violations. Make sure to check the library section of this site to review information about donating medicine, international HIV/AIDS agreements, and indicators to consider the intensity of stigma and discrimination.

The Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator briefly explains the U.S. plan to commit to fighting the spread of AIDS around the world. The page does not offer much in terms of AIDS-related content, but refers readers to www.PEPFAR.gov for more information about the U.S. plan.

PEPFAR stands for “President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief.” The site is nothing fancy but does provide a good review of President George W. Bush’s plan to engage countries around the world in combating the spread of HIV/AIDS. The site discusses plans for pediatric AIDS treatment, international partners in the fight against HIV/AIDS, and HIV/AIDS technology, and also has a list of related Web sites you might find useful.

Save the Children recognizes children as some of the most defenseless victims of AIDS in developing countries. Study both the myths and realities of children and HIV/AIDS, learn about Save the Children’s HIV/AIDS programs, and the global spread of HIV/AIDS.