December 1st is World AIDS Day. This day offers an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, and to show support for those people who have lived with HIV. World AIDS Day was the first ever global health day, held for the first time in 1988. There are approximately 36 million people living with HIV today, and 2.1 million new infections in 2015 alone. A shocking 54% of those people are unable to access the treatment that they need.

There are increased challenges for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients with iron deficiency anemia. The serious implications vary from functional and quality-of-life decrements to an association with disease progression and decreased survival. At the same time iron supplements do not react well with ARVs (Antiretroviral Therapy). Iron deficiency anemia is an important clinical problem in patients with HIV infections and those with AIDS. An obvious cause of anemia in patients with HIV infection is blood loss.* We are currently in partnership with Keep a Child Alive Organization in India  where 38% of people living with HIV are women and the stigma and discrimination associated with this poses a significant barrier to people accessing healthcare services.

*Volberding et al., "Anemia in HIV Infection: Clinical Impact and Evidence-Based Management Strategies." Oxford Journals Clinical Infectious Diseases (2004) no. 30, issue 10; 1454-1463.