Australian Council for International Development. ACFID website.">ACFID is an independent national association of Australian non-government organisations (NGOs) working in the field of international aid and development. For further information, see the ACFID website.

An unwanted effect caused by the administration of drugs. Onset may be sudden or develop over time.

Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations. AFAO is the peak non-government organisation representing Australia's community-based response to HIV/AIDS. AFAO's work includes education, policy, advocacy and international projects.

Australian Foundation for the Peoples of Asia and the Pacific. AFAP website.">AFAP is a non-profit, non-religious overseas aid organisation based in Sydney and making a positive difference to the lives of people throughout Africa, Asia and the Pacific. For further information, see the AFAP website.

AusAID HIV and AIDS Partnership Initiative.

Asian Harm Reduction Network.

alanine transaminase or alanine aminotransferase, an enzyme involved in the metabolism of the amino acid alanine. Elevated ALT levels in the blood may indicate liver injury or disease such as hepatitis. Also called SGPT (serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase).

A lower than normal number of red blood cells.

temporary chest pain or a sensation of pressure due to a lack of oxygen supply to the heart. Also called angina pectoris.

A medication or other substance which is active against retroviruses such as HIV.

A medication or substance which is active against one or more viruses. May include anti-HIV drugs, but these are more accurately termed antiretrovirals.

Asia-Pacific Council of AIDS Service Organizations. A network of non-government and community-based organisations that provide HIV/AIDS services within the Asia and the Pacific region. For further information see the APCASO website.

Asia-Pacific Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS. For further information see the APN+ website.

Asia Pacific Network of Sex Workers.

Asia-Pacific PLWHA Resource Centre. For further information, see the APPRC website.

(AIDS-RELATED COMPLEX) (Early Symptomatic HIV Infection) 1. A group of common complications found in early stage HIV infection. They include progressive generalized lymphadenopathy (PGL), recurrent fever, unexplained weight loss, swollen lymph nodes, diarrhea, herpes, hairy leukoplakia, fungus infection of the mouth and throat and/or the presence of HIV antibodies. 2. Symptoms that appear to be related to infection by HIV. They include an unexplained, chronic deficiency of white blood cells (leukopenia) or a poorly functioning lymphatic system with swelling of the lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy) lasting for more than 3 months without the opportunistic infections required for a diagnosis of AIDS. (See Also AIDS WASTING SYNDROME).

Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, part of La Trobe University in Melbourne. For further information see the ARCSHS website.

Any of the treatment groups in a randomised trial. Most randomised trials have two "arms," but some have three "arms," or even more.

a blood vessel which carries oxygenated blood away from the heart.

AIDS Society of Asia and the Pacific. Independent, non-governmental body representing organisations from Asia and the Pacific working in close collaboration with experts in diverse areas of HIV/AIDS.

Australasian Society for HIV Medicine. The peak Australasian organisation representing the medical and health sector in HIV/AIDS and related areas.

A fungal infection-resulting from the fungus Aspergillus-of the lungs that can spread through the blood to other organs. Symptoms include fever, chills, difficulty in breathing, and coughing up blood. If the infection reaches the brain, it may cause dementia.

(hardening of the arteries) ??? a disease in which fatty material accumulates on the interior lining of the arteries, causing it to become thicker and less elastic.

a type of community-acquired pneumonia which does not respond to standard antibiotic treatments. As well as SARS, atypical pneumonias include psittacosis and Q fever.

Australian Agency for International Development. Australian Government agency responsible for managing the Australian Government's official overseas aid program.