The Minnesota AIDS Project was founded in 1983, with a mission to lead Minnesota's fight to stop HIV through advocacy, education, and service to our community.  Our vision is a world free of AIDS.  The Minnesota AIDS Project is a statewide, nonprofit agency, committed to enhancing the lives of people living with HIV and AIDS. 

In 2008, the Minnesota AIDS Project provided services to approximately half of the over 6,000 Minnesotans known to be living with HIV.

About HIV and AIDS

What is HIV?

HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus.

Human-because the virus can only affect human beings.  Similar diseases do exist in some animals such as monkeys and cats, however, those viruses cannot infect humans or other animals. 

Immunodeficiency-because the virus creates a deficiency with the body's immune system, causing it to fail to work properly.

Virus-because the organism (HIV) is a virus, which is incapable of reproducing itself, it must use a human cell to reproduce.

HIV affects certain white blood cells-CD4 T cells-these cells manage human systems response.  When a person's white blood cells become damaged (CD4 T cells) it becomes difficult for them to fight off infections or diseases.  During this time the conditions are called the "HIV disease."

What is AIDS?

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.

Acquired-because HIV is not passed on genetically; a person has to become infected with it.

Immune-because the immune system's ability to fight off viruses and bacteria becomes much less effective.

Deficiency-because the immune system fails to work properly.

Syndrome-because there is a wide range of diseases and infections a person may experience.