AIDS is caused by a virus called HIV. It's not something you catch by sharing drinks or kissing!

People with this virus are said to be 'HIV positive'. The HIV virus attacks the body's immune system - the system that helps you fight off illnesses, so over time people with HIV become weak and ill. Eventually they develop serious illnesses, which is when they are said to have AIDS.
But people in rich countries can afford medicines that help them stay healthy for longer.

Look to the future! Marbella, 7, and her mum, from Honduras, are both HIV-positive. They have suffered because of other people's ignorance about HIV. But Marbella is looking to the future. 'I want to get a degree in law, to defend our rights [people living with HIV] and those of my Mummy,' she told Global Gang

Five people in the world die of AIDS every minute. There is no cure but there is no reason that so many people should die, because if people with HIV take medicines called antiretrovirals, they can still live healthy lives.

Often, people living in poor countries can't afford these medicines, so they get ill and develop AIDS very quickly. Also, they may not have been taught about HIV and AIDS and not know how to take best care of themselves.

Say no to bullying! Tashae, 13, goes to the 3Cs project in Jamaica, which helps people living with HIV. 'People really need this project because if someone in the community has AIDS, they will know to treat them in a nice and proper way,' she says

People living with HIV are often treated very badly, because others don't understand enough about the virus.

Antoinette from Jamaica had first-hand experience of this. 'People don't want to touch you; some don't eat with you. They won't come anywhere near you,' she says. Luckily there are projects working with young people to explain that we shouldn't be scared of someone who is infected with HIV.