Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system. Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) occurs at the most advanced stage of infection. HIV targets the body’s white blood cells, weakening the defense (immune) system which makes it easier for opportunistic infections like tuberculosis, oral thrush (candidiasis) and other forms of infections to gain strong hold on the individual.
Modes of transmission
HIV can be contracted/transmitted via a number of ways primarily through body fluids exchange such as;
- Unprotected Sexual Intercourse: this occurs when an infected persons engages in sexual activity with an uninfected person without the use of condom.
- Skin tearing/piercing objects: the use of unsterilized objects like scissors, blade, hair-cutting apparatus can trigger HIV/AIDS transmission.
- Unscreened blood: transfusion of yet-to-be screened blood to a sick person exposes such person to high risk of acquiring HIV/AIDS.
- Mother-to-child: this is the primary mode of HIV infection in infants. Transmission can occur during pregnancy, birth, or through breastfeeding. Decisions on whether or not HIV-infected mothers should breastfeed their infants is generally based on comparing the risk of infants acquiring HIV through breastfeeding, with the increased risk of death from malnutrition, diarrhea and pneumonia if the infants are not exclusively breastfed.
It is important to note that, HIV/AIDS cannot be acquired through hugs, hand shake, sharing same plate, room and swimming pool with an infected person.
Roles of NGOs
Non-Governmental Organizations contribute immensely in the fight against HIV/AIDS on a multi-dimensional basis which includes but not limited to the following;
- Testing (at community level): community members are mobilized to a strategic location where samples (blood) are collected by an experienced health worker for testing. The result takes around 3-5 minutes to be ready. This is important because it enable community members know their HIV status.
- Referral/Linkage: If tested positive, such client is referred to a nearby health center for Post Test Counselling and Linkage to care.
- Adherence Monitoring: Once a client is linked to care, he/she is place on Anti-Retroviral Therapy to ensure the viral load is suppressed for such a person to be able to live a normal life. The NGOs help in the implementation of Operation Triple Zeros which can be translated as Zero missed ART, Zero missed appointment and Zero missed Viral Load Test/CD4 count.
- Community Sensitization/Awareness: community members are sensitized on basic HIV/AIDS related knowledge – how it can be acquired, preventive methods or precautionary steps, elimination of social stigma (how to relate with an infected person), importance of getting tested quarterly to know ones current HIV status.
HIV/AIDS isn’t death sentence.
