“Help!  I’m Lost!”

The AVERT.org website contains over two hundred pages of detailed discussion on HIV, AIDS and other related issues, so if you’re feeling a little overwhelmed, we’re not surprised!  Below is a list of some of the most common questions we get asked by people trying to navigate the site.  We hope our answers will help guide you to the information you’re looking for!

I’m trying to find out about HIV & AIDS.  Where should I go to get the best introduction to the subject?

Our what is AIDS? page is probably the best place to start for the basics.

You might also like to read our introductory pages on:

I’m really worried I might have become infected with HIV.  How do I know if I’m at risk?

A good list of how you can and can’t become infected with HIV can be found on our can you get AIDS from...? page

I’ve just been diagnosed with HIV.  What do I need to know?

Our site has lots of information on HIV, but the best places for you to begin are probably learning you are positive and introduction to treatment

I’m trying to research AIDS in Africa.  Where do I begin?

For a general overview of the African epidemic, our AIDS in Africa page is probably the best place to start.

You can also find answers to many common questions in our two Africa Q&A pages.

We have statistics on the numbers infected by HIV in Africa and many other useful pages in our Africa section.

We also have specific information on Botswana , Uganda , Zambia , Malawi , Nigeria, South Africa and Zimbabwe.

I've heard there's a cure for AIDS.  Is this true?

Unfortunately not.  Many people around the world have claimed they have found a cure for AIDS over the years, but none of these claims have ever been scientifically proven.  There is however effective anti-HIV treatment now available to minimise the effects of the virus, and a number of vaccines are in development which may one day offer protection from infection.

How many people are living with HIV/AIDS in…

You can find HIV & AIDS prevalence statistics for a whole range of different regions and nations in our statistics section.

Do you have any educational resources that you could send me?

AVERT no longer publishes or sends out educational resources in the post, but we do have some booklets and quizzes that you can download from the website, as well as a page to help you find other booklets and materials.  You might also find the pages in our education section of use.

I’m looking for pictures and photographs …

Our photo and picture catalogue may have just what you need! Use of all these pictures is subject to copyright, details of which can be found at the bottom of each photo page.

AIDS is such a huge problem!  What’s being done to combat it and how can I help?

There are lots of schemes, funds and projects helping to fight AIDS around the world.  Some of the biggest are discussed on our AIDS money page.

We also have individual pages discussing AIDS treatment targets and results, the US PEPFAR initiative, and the Global Fund.

If you would like to help personally, then making a donation to AVERT is probably a good place to start!

I have a personal problem and need some advice…

If you’re worried about something and need to find someone to talk to, our help and advice page should be able to point you in the right direction.

Where can I find out about sex, pregnancy and contraception?

Our frequently asked questions about sex is probably a good place to start.  If you’re a teenager, you might also find some of the pages in our teens' section useful too.

Do you have any information on Sexually Transmitted Diseases?

Yes, we have a whole section on STDs including info about hepatitis, syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhoea, genital warts and herpes.

I’m thinking about having sex for the first time – how do I know if I’m ready?

The best thing you can do is to read our first time page, which tells you all about what to expect, and will also direct you to other pages that can help you decide if you’re ready.

How do I share my story with others?

Visit our stories section!  It has lots of personal accounts from people living with HIV & AIDS, as well as stories from teenagers, young gay men and lesbians.

How do I find out more about AVERT?

AVERT is an international AIDS charity that runs AVERT.org – one of the most comprehensive and popular AIDS & HIV information sites on the internet.  You can find out lots more about us as a charity on our about AVERT page.  If you’re looking for info on the AVERT.org website itself, then you should try our site information page.

How can I find out about jobs at AVERT or careers in the HIV & AIDS field?

Our work and careers page should provide you with all the information you need.

I still can’t find what I’m looking for!

Our site map lists all the sections on our website and all the pages within them, which may give you an idea of where to look.  You can also use our very effective search facility, which can be found underneath the menu bar on the left of every page.  If neither of these helps you to find the information you need however, and you still have a question relating to HIV or AIDS, please contact us and we’ll try to answer your query ourselves.

Written by Bonita de Boer

Last updated March 16, 2007