Your role
Unfortunately, hiv/aids is still making the news 30 years after it was discovered…
THE FIGURES ARE THERE TO PROVE IT:
- 33.4 million people are currently living with the HIV/AIDS virus, in the world.
- Only 40% of people are aware of their HIV status.
- 2.7 million new victims a year become infected, half of them young people and children.
- 2 million people die of the disease every year
EVERY REGION OF THE WORLD IS AFFECTED:
- Africa (22.4 million)
- Asia (4.7 million), of which India accounts for half
- Latin America (2 million)
- Eastern Europe (1.5 million)
- North America & Western Europe (2.3 million).
Use your voice. Use your power. For a beautiful world without AIDS!
12 MONTHS AND 12 MESSAGES TO SHARE ON PREVENTING HIV/AIDS:
1. There are only three means of transmission of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS:
- Unprotected penetrative sex.
- Blood to blood contact, particularly by means of hypodermic needles (sharing of needles by injecting drug users, accidental needlestick injuries suffered by healthcare professionals).
- Mother to child transmission during pregnancy, labour or breastfeeding.
2. Someone who is infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, is said to be HIV-positive. Only the advanced stage of HIV infection is referred to as AIDS: Acquired Immune Deiciency Syndrome.
3. HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, is not transmitted by mosquito or spider bites.
4. HIV can be transmitted from a HIV-positive mother to her child. The appropriate medical treatment can avoid the transmission of HIV.
5. An HIV screening test is the only way to ind out if you are HIV-positive or not.
6. There is no risk of contracting HIV from touching, kissing, living or working with someone who is HIV-positive.
7. HIV is not transmitted via the tears, sweat, saliva or coughs and sneezes of someone who is HIV-positive.
8. HIV cannot be contracted from sharing a bed, toilets, shower or home with someone who is HIV-positive.
9. Using a condom to engage in protected sex protects against the risk of contracting HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.
10. Treatments for HIV, known as antiretroviral treatments, prevent the virus from multiplying and reduce the onset of opportunistic diseases, thereby slowing the progression towards full-blown AIDS.
11. Knowing you are HIV-positive means you can beneit from the best treatment at the appropriate time.
12. It is important not to be alone when you are HIV-positive. Groups exist to provide information and support. It is also important to attend regular check-ups by HIV/AIDS healthcare specialists.
