Understanding HIV

Discovered In The 1980’s

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) was discovered in the early 1980s.

Since it’s discovery, 78 million people have contracted HIV and over 38 million individuals have died of AIDS-related deaths.

What Is It?

HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system. Unlike some other viruses, the human body can't get rid of HIV completely, so those who have HIV, have it for life. 

HIV In Uganda

Uganda was one of the hardest hit countries by the epidemic in the 1980s.

Today, there are over 170,000 children living with HIV in Uganda. Many of these children have been orphaned by the AIDS epidemic.

Cure Or Treatment?

Unfortunately there is no official “cure” for HIV, but there is treatment! HIV treatment, known as ART (antiretroviral treatment).

HIV ARVs

People living with HIV take an assortment of medication depending on the strain and strength of the HIV virus in their body. Medications, called ARVs (antiretroviral drugs), are taken twice a day. If a person with HIV is consistent with their HIV treatment, they can live a long and healthy life.

A person's hand holding a variety of pills, including a large blue capsule, a red and yellow capsule, a white oval pill, and a small yellow round tablet.

HIV & AIDs

There are 3 stages of HIV. Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, known as AIDS, is the third and final stage of HIV. If a person with HIV begins receiving treatment early on, they might never advance to having AIDS.

A healthcare professional draws blood from a patient's finger while two other individuals observe.

Are you a visual learner?
Below are some helpful videos on HIV/AIDs that we find insightful

“Children should be the first to benefit from our successes in defeating HIV, and the last to suffer from our failures”

Anthony Lake, Executive Director at UNICEF

Treatment is a must! Through medical care and love we have seen lives of children transformed. Cherish Health Center does HIV testing, treatment, care, and counseling.

Through counseling and discipleship, we remind each child and teen that they are "fearfully and wonderfully made” by a Creator who loves them dearly. (Psalm 139:14)

The Cherish Response

How does Cherish “Change the Story”?

Awareness, Education, Testing, TREATMENT

In 2015, Cherish Health Center opened to help change the story of HIV into a story of hope. The Health Center is a certified location to administer treatment.

In addition to treatment, Cherish Health Center is active in awareness, education and testing. We put on monthly outreaches to bring tests and counseling to people who might be too fearful or too busy to come in and get tested.

There is a huge opportunity to change the story of HIV through education. Beyond meeting a patient’s physical needs, we seek to also help these children grow emotionally and spiritually.

Common Myths & Misconceptions

  • HIV is NOT spread through: kissing, hugging, bathing/swimming, sweat, sharing food, drinks, or utensils, toilet seats, or insect bites.

    HIV is spread through: blood, semen, pre-seminal fluid, vaginal fluids, rectal fluid, breast milk, sharing needles, or sometimes during birth.

    However, the use of HIV medicines and other strategies can help lower the risk of mother-to-child transmission of HIV to 1% or less.

  • Out of the 78+ million people who have had HIV, there have been 3 unique cases of people being cured through clinical studies. While this is exciting, their cases are anomalies. There are many myths around HIV cures and prevention.

    You canNOT prevent or cure HIV by: washing after sex, using the pulling out method, using contraceptive pill, spells and herbal medicine, or by having sex with a virgin. While some of those myths might seem obvious to you, there are many problematic myths that have spread over the years.

  • Due to the media’s portrayal of the AIDS epidemic in the 1980s, many people think that people with HIV/AIDS look sick. While someone with HIV who is NOT receiving treatment can look sick, this is not always the case.

    You can’t tell by looking at someone whether they have HIV or not. Many people don't show signs of any symptoms. People living with HIV who are on effective treatment can live healthy, full lives.