Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

DEFINITION

A general term for a disease of the human immune system that is sexually transmitted. Also known as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

ETYMOLOGY

• The Mandarin name “爱之病” is a combination of the Mandarin terms “爱之” and “病”, with the former being the transliteration of the English term “AIDS” (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome).
• AIDS is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which is transmitted sexually, by blood transfusion or from mother-to-child. Patients will present symptoms such as a weakened immune function, a mild fever above body temperature, chronic diarrhoea and malignant tumours. AIDS has a high mortality rate.
• AIDS was first discovered in the United States of America in 1981.
• Since the discovery of the first case of AIDS in 1985, the Singapore government has launched action For AIDS; in 2018, the number of newly diagnosed AIDS cases had been reduced to 313 with the cooperation of members of the public and the support of the healthcare system.

SAMPLE SENTENCE

Action For AIDS has expressed support for the abolition of Section 377A of the Penal Code. (Lianhe Zaobao, 19/09/2018)

TERMS USED IN OTHER REGIONS

爱滋病 (Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia), 艾滋病 (Mainland China), 爱死病 (Taiwan)

RELATED INFORMATION

• In Mainland China, the official term used is “艾滋病”, while in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Malaysia, “爱滋病” is used. In Singapore, “爱之病” is the term used.