What is

HIV?
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a
virus that targets immune system cells, making
an individual more susceptible to various
illnesses and infections. It is acquired through
sharing injection equipment or through direct
contact with the bodily fluids of an infected
individual, most frequently during unprotected
intercourse (sex without the use of a condom or
HIV medication to prevent or treat HIV).

Antiretroviral therapy, or ART, an

effective HIV treatment option, is
fortunately available. HIV medications
have the ability to significantly lower
the viral load, another name for the
amount of HIV in the blood, if taken as
directed. The term for this is viral
suppression.

Additionally, there are effective ways to avoid

contracting HIV through sex or drug use, such as
pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a drug that
people who are at risk of getting HIV take to
avoid contracting HIV through sex or injecting
drugs, and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), a
drug that HIV-positive people must take within 72
hours of a potential exposure to stop the virus
from establishing a foothold. Find more about
further HIV prevention measures.

Being tested is the only surest method to find out

if you have HIV. Testing is a rather easy process.
You can request an HIV test from your doctor.
These are also provided by a lot of hospitals,
community health centers, drug rehab centers,
and medical clinics. Furthermore available is HIV
self-testing. An HIV self-test kit is available at
pharmacies and online.

REFERENCES:
What are HIV and AIDS? HIV.gov. (2023).
Retrieved from https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/overview/about-hiv-and-aids/what-
are-hiv-and-aids/
 History of
HIV
The Journey of HIV: A Timeline of Key Events

1980s
HIV is first identified as the virus
responsible for AIDS, a mysterious illness
affecting previously healthy individuals. The
virus is associated with fear, stigma, and
discrimination, leading to challenges in
prevention and care efforts.

1990s
Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is introduced,
revolutionizing the management of HIV by
suppressing the virus and allowing
individuals with HIV to live longer, healthier
lives. Awareness efforts shift towards
treatment and care, emphasizing early
diagnosis and adherence to ART.

2000s
Prevention strategies expand with the
development of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis
(PrEP), a preventive medication for
individuals at high risk of HIV. Awareness
campaigns focus on a combination
prevention approach, integrating condom
use, regular testing, and PrEP to reduce new
HIV infections.

Present
Awareness efforts broaden to address
social determinants of health, including
stigma, discrimination, and health
disparities. Advocacy groups and activists
play a critical role in challenging social and
structural barriers to HIV prevention and
care, promoting inclusivity, cultural
sensitivity, and human rights.

REFERENCES:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019). HIV and AIDS: Basic
Information.
https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/whatishiv.html
Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS. (2020). UNAIDS Data 2020.
https://www.unaids.org/sites/default/files/media_asset/2020_aids-data-
book_en.pdf
National Institutes of Health. (2020). HIV/AIDS.
https://www.niaid.nih.gov
 Transmission of

HIV
SHARING NEEDLES, SYRINGES, OR OTHER
DRUG INJECTION EQUIPMENT. Used needles,
syringes, etc. may have someone else’s blood on
them, and blood can carry HIV. People who
inject drugs are also at risk for getting HIV if
they engage in risky sexual behaviors like
having sex without protection. Sharing needles,
syringes, etc. increases your risk for getting
hepatitis B and hepatitis C, and other infections.

ANAL SEX. Anal intercourse is the

most HIV-risky. Receptivity (bottom)
is riskier than insertivity (top). Due to
the thin rectum lining, HIV can enter
the body during anal sex. The top is
also at risk. HIV can enter the body
through the urethra, foreskin, or
penis wounds, scratches, or sores.

VAGINAL SEX. Receptive anal sex is

more HIV-prone than vaginal sex.
Vaginal intercourse can spread HIV to
either partner. Vaginal intercourse can
transmit HIV through the vaginal and
cervix tissue. HIV can enter the penis
through the urethra, foreskin, or minor
scrapes, scratches, or open sores.

PERINATAL TRANSMISSION. Pregnancy,

birth, and breastfeeding can spread HIV.
HIV prevention and treatment have made it
rarer. Most children contract HIV during
pregnancy. HIV transmission is less than 1%
if a pregnant woman takes HIV medication
as prescribed and feeds it to her baby for 4
to 6 weeks after birth.

REFERENCES:
Ways HIV Can Be Transmitted | HIV Transmission | HIV Basics | HIV/AIDS |
CDC. (n.d.).
Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/hiv-transmission/ways-people-
get-hiv.html
 Ways to prevent

HIV
Avoid sharing needles. HIV can
be transmitted through the sharing
of needles or other injection
equipment. It is important to use
clean needles and syringes.

Practicing safe sex. This involves

using condom during sexual
intercourse, reducing the number
of sexual partners, and avoiding
risky sexual practices such as anal
sex.

Use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)

& post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).
PrEP is a daily medication recommended
for people who are at high risk of
contracting HIV. PEP is a medication
recommended for people who have had
unprotected sex or shared needles with
someone who is HIV-positive.

Getting tested regularly.

Knowing your HIV status is
important for preventing the
spread of the virus. If you are
HIV-positive, you can take steps
to prevent transmission to others.

REFERENCES:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). HIV prevention.
Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/prevention.html

World Health Organization. (2021). HIV/AIDS.

Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/hiv-aids
 Impact of

HIV
on Individuals

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REFERENCES:
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 Why is it important to
raise awareness about

THE EARLY DETECTION OF HIV

HIV
CAN HELP PATIENTS RECEIVE
ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY
QUICKLY, PREVENTING THE
VIRUS FROM WEAKENING THE
IMMUNE SYSTEM.

EARLY DETECTION PROVIDES

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR
PROMPT ACTION THAT COULD
SAVE LIVES

PEOPLE BECOME MORE CAUTIOUS

AS THEY BECOME MORE AWARE
OF SAFE PRECAUTIONS TO AVOID
HIV INFECTION, WHICH
ULTIMATELY LOWERS INFECTION
RATES.

PROMOTES SAFE SEX AND

ENCOURAGES PEOPLE TO LIVE
HEALTHIER, LONGER LIVES,
ALL OF WHICH REDUCE THE
RISK OF CONTRACTING THE
VIRUS.

THE RISK OF TRANSMISSION

CAN BE REDUCED BY
PROMOTING AWARENESS AND
EDUCATION.

REFERENCES:
Facpm, M. ". K. M. M. (2022, September 26). Contributor: Every Day Is HIV Awareness
Day—The Importance of Motivating People to Get Tested for HIV. AJMC.
https://www.ajmc.com/view/contributor-every-day-is-hiv-awareness-day-the-
importance-of-motivating-people-to-get-tested-for-hiv

Li, K. (2019b, April 9). 3 Strategies for Increasing HIV Awareness in the Communities You
Serve - Capacity 4 Health. Capacity 4 Health. https://capacity4health.org/increasing-hiv-
awareness/#:~:text=Learner%20Login&text=When%20it%20comes%20to%20the,90%20perc
ent%20of%20new%20infections.%20https://www.skillsportal.co.za/content/5-reasons-why-
hivaids-awareness-important

HIV/AIDS CAMPAIGN GUIDE. (n.d.).

https://www.etu.org.za/toolbox/docs/organise/webaids.html
MY
MORNING
ROUTINE*

Wake Up

7:30

Eat breakfast

7:40

Ride the Bus

8:15

Grab a Coffee

9:00

Begin Work

9:10

*on weekdays