Keeping HIV Away

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the virus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). HIV weakens your immune system by destroying your T-cells until you are unable to fight off even minor illnesses. You can have HIV without any symptoms. Getting tested and starting treatment early gives you the best chance of living a long life.

Key Facts of HIV
·       HIV remains a major global public health issue, having claimed 40.4 million [32.9–51.3 million] lives so far with ongoing transmission in all countries globally; with some countries reporting increasing trends in new infections when previously on the decline.
·       There were an estimated 39.0 million [33.1–45.7 million] people living with HIV at the end of 2022, two thirds of whom (25.6 million) are in the WHO African Region.
·       In 2022, 630 000 [480 000–880 000] people died from HIV-related causes and 1.3 million [1.0–1.7 million] people acquired HIV.
·       There is no cure for HIV infection. However, with access to effective HIV prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care, including for opportunistic infections, HIV infection has become a manageable chronic health condition, enabling people living with HIV to lead long and healthy lives.
·       WHO, the Global Fund and UNAIDS all have global HIV strategies that are aligned with the SDG target 3.3 of ending the HIV epidemic by 2030.
·       By 2025, 95% of all people living with HIV (PLHIV) should have a diagnosis, 95% of those should be taking lifesaving antiretroviral treatment (ART) and 95% of PLHIV on treatment should achieve a suppressed viral load for the benefit of the person’s health and for reducing onward HIV transmission. In 2022, these percentages were 86(%) [73–>98%], 89(%) 75–>98%] and 93(%) [79–>98%], respectively.

·       When considering all people living with HIV, 86% [73>–98%] knew their status, 76% [65–89%] were receiving antiretroviral therapy and 71% [60–83%] had suppressed viral loads.

The symptoms of HIV vary depending on the stage of infection.

 The disease spreads more easily in the first few months after a person is infected, but many are unaware of their status until the later stages. In the first few weeks after being infected people may not experience symptoms. Others may have an influenza-like illness including:

·       fever

·       headache

·       rash

·       sore throat.

The infection progressively weakens the immune system. This can cause other signs and symptoms:

 

·       swollen lymph nodes

·       weight loss

·       fever

·       diarrhoea

·       cough.

Without treatment, people with HIV infection can also develop severe illnesses:

·       tuberculosis (TB)

·       cryptococcal meningitis

·       severe bacterial infections

·       cancers such as lymphomas and Kaposi's sarcoma.

HIV causes other infections to get worse, such as hepatitis C, hepatitis B and mpox.

The best way to reduce your risk of HIV is to be aware of how it spreads and protect yourself during certain activities. Having sex without a condom and sharing needles to take drugs are the most common ways that HIV spreads.

HIV prevention involves strategies and measures aimed at reducing the risk of HIV transmission. Here are some key aspects of HIV prevention.

Safe Sex Practices:

Use condoms consistently and correctly during sexual intercourse to reduce the risk of HIV transmission. Consider using pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for individuals at high risk of HIV.

   Regular Testing:

Get tested and know your partner's HIV status. Regular testing is crucial for early detection and timely intervention. Encourage routine HIV testing, especially for individuals engaging in high-risk behaviors.

·       Needle Exchange Programs:

For individuals who inject drugs, using clean needles and syringes can significantly reduce the risk of HIV transmission. Needle exchange programs provide sterile equipment and promote safer injection practices.

·       Medical Male Circumcision:

Studies have shown that male circumcision can reduce the risk of heterosexual transmission of HIV. However, it's important to note that circumcision does not provide complete protection, and other preventive measures should still be employed.

·       Antiretroviral Therapy (ART):

For individuals living with HIV, adhering to antiretroviral treatment not only improves health outcomes but also reduces the viral load in the body, making transmission less likely.

·       Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT):

Pregnant women living with HIV can take antiretroviral drugs to prevent transmitting the virus to their infants during childbirth and breastfeeding.

Education and Awareness:

·       Promote public awareness and education about HIV transmission, prevention, and stigma reduction.

Remember that a combination of these strategies, known as combination prevention, is often the most effective approach. Additionally, cultural sensitivity, human rights, and access to healthcare are crucial components of successful HIV prevention efforts.

For Early prevention contact National STD / AIDS control program Sri Lanka

Website : https://www.aidscontrol.gov.lk/

Contact No : +94 112 667 163