Antiretroviral therapy (ART) or antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) are medications that are used to treat HIV. These drugs work by suppressing the virus, slowing down its destructive ways, and ultimately prolonging the life of someone living with HIV. There are different types of antiretroviral drugs available, each with different mechanisms of action, and some of the common synonyms for ARVs include highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), combination therapy, HIV treatment, retroviral therapy, and antiviral medication. These terms are often used interchangeably, and all refer to the same drugs used to treat HIV. Whether referred to as ARVs or any of these synonyms, the aim remains the same - to provide people living with HIV with the best possible care and improve their quality of life.