Glossary

We all sometimes see words we don't recognise, or don't understand. The aidsmap glossary brings together words and phrases you might find when reading about HIV and AIDS, particularly in papers written for scientific or medical journals.

If you have suggestions for words or phrases we could add, we would love to hear from you. Get in touch through our contact us page or email us at info@nam.org.uk.

# A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
decompensated cirrhosis

The later stage of cirrhosis, during which the liver cannot perform some vital functions and complications occur. See also ‘cirrhosis’ and ‘compensated cirrhosis’.

dementia

Changes in mental function, co-ordination and personality resulting from direct effects of HIV infection in the brain.

depression

A mental health problem causing long-lasting low mood that interferes with everyday life.

dermatitis

Inflammation of the skin.

diabetes

A condition characterised by raised concentration of sugar in the blood and urine, due to problems with the production or action of insulin.

diagnosis

Description of the causes of a patient's medical problems.

diarrhoea

Abnormal bowel movements, characterised by watery or frequent stools.

disease progression

The worsening of a disease.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid, the material in the nucleus of a cell where genetic information is stored.

dose

Measured amount of a drug to be taken at one time.

dose-ranging trial

A clinical trial where two or more doses of a drug are compared to see which works best and is least harmful.

double-blind

A clinical trial where neither the researchers nor participants know which assigned treatment an individual participant in the trial is taking until after the end of the trial. This reduces the risk of biased results. See also ‘single-blind’. 

drug interaction

When a person is taking more than one drug, and drug A interferes with the functioning of drug B. Blood levels of the drug may be lowered or raised, potentially interfering with effectiveness or making side-effects worse.

dysplasia

Abnormal growth of cells.

Community Consensus Statement on Access to HIV Treatment and its Use for Prevention

Together, we can make it happen

We can end HIV soon if people have equal access to HIV drugs as treatment and as PrEP, and have free choice over whether to take them.

Launched today, the Community Consensus Statement is a basic set of principles aimed at making sure that happens.

The Community Consensus Statement is a joint initiative of AVAC, EATG, MSMGF, GNP+, HIV i-Base, the International HIV/AIDS Alliance, ITPC and NAM/aidsmap
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This content was checked for accuracy at the time it was written. It may have been superseded by more recent developments. NAM recommends checking whether this is the most current information when making decisions that may affect your health.

NAM’s information is intended to support, rather than replace, consultation with a healthcare professional. Talk to your doctor or another member of your healthcare team for advice tailored to your situation.