HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system, specifically targeting CD4 cells (T cells), which are crucial for fighting infections. If left untreated, HIV can lead to the condition known as AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), which is the final stage of HIV infection. AIDS is characterized by a severely weakened immune system, making the individual highly susceptible to opportunistic infections and certain cancers. The progression from HIV to AIDS can take many years, and not everyone with HIV will develop AIDS. Effective antiretroviral therapy (ART) can manage the virus, allowing individuals to live long and healthy lives without progressing to AIDS. HIV is primarily transmitted through contact with certain body fluids, including blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk, often through unprotected sex, shared needles, or from mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding. Public health efforts focus on prevention, education, and treatment to reduce the spread of HIV and improve the quality of life for those living with the virus.
The Rise of Telemedicine in South Africa In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, South Africa's Ministry of Health embraced telemedicine, which has since evolved into a vital resource for managing…