In the scientific community, there is still no consensus on the origin of the virus. Of all theories put forward (that I’ve come across), the one I find most plausible is that put forward by Mr. Edward Hooper in his book “The River – A Journey to the Source of HIV and AIDS.” This theory states that HIV likely resulted from Polio vaccine trials in Belgian-Congo (present day Congo-Kinshasa in Africa) in the 50s. In other words, since vaccines were made using the livers and kidneys of monkeys and chimpanzees, the virus crossed over from the simian specie to man in poorly prepared samples. Was it intentional? No. The same vaccines used to inoculate African children were also used on American and European children. But, initial trials were carried out in Belgian-Congo.

The best protective methods against HIV are abstinence and condoms and very much in that order. Having multiple sexual partners even with the use of condoms is risky. These, in my opinion, are the type of messages that need to be drummed around. Abstinence is hardly mentioned because condom manufacturers need to make a profit and are involved in funding HIV prevention programs. Also, abstinence is often linked with religious groups, which need not be the case.