HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome),a health condition in which a person is affected by a series of diseases because of poor immunity. HIV by itself is not an illness and does no: instantly lead to AIDS. An HIV Infected person can lead a healthy life for several year before s/he develops AIDS. As the name. Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome indicates. AIDS is a health condition that results * from the deficiency in the body's immunity following 111V infection, HIV attacks the human body by breaking down u Immune system that is meant to fight diseases. Over a period of time, the immune system weakens and the body loses its natural ability to fight diseases- At this stage, various diseases affect the infected person. India has among the highest number of persons living with HIV/AIDS in the world today, although the overall prevalence remains low. There are more than 5.1 million individuals infected with HIV In India of over I billion people (UN AIDS 2003). The total number of AIDS cases in 2002 was estimated to be about 550,030. Seven states Andhra Pradesh. Goa. Karnataka. Maharashtra, Manipur Mizoram. and Nagaland-already have generalized epidemics, as indicated by a I percent or higher prevalence rate among pregnant women In prenatal clinics This encyclopaedic work encompasses all vital Information on HIV/AIDS, Its causes and prevention and control. The facts are supported by vital statistics.