The role of the church in the revention, education, care and support of people living with HIV/ AIDS

Abstract

HIV is the short form of Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It is a virus that attacks the cells of the human immune system and destroys it so that the body is no longer protected against diseases. AIDS has been defined as 'a reliably diagnosed disease that is at least moderately indicative of an underlying cellular immune deficiency or any other causing reduced resistance reported to be associated with the disease' (Moss, 1992:15). In other words, AIDS is the acronym for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.