The AIDS Support Organisation (TASO) Uganda Ltd’s Post

🔬 Understanding HIV Transmission 🔬 Ever wondered how HIV spreads? Let's break it down. HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, primarily spreads through: 1️⃣ Sexual Contact: Unprotected sex with an infected person poses a high risk. 2️⃣ Blood Transmission: Sharing needles or syringes contaminated with HIV-infected blood. 3️⃣ Mother-to-Child: HIV can be transmitted from an HIV-positive mother to her child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. Knowledge is key to prevention! Stay informed and let's work together to stop the spread of HIV. #HIVAwareness #PreventionIsKey 🌍💙 #UnlockingPotential

Since the first World AIDS Day in 1988, we have made significant progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Thanks to effective treatment, people living with HIV can now live long and healthy lives. However, the epidemic is not over. Millions of people around the world are still living with HIV, and many more are at risk of contracting the virus. This year, we remember the pivotal impact communities have had in shaping global health, the HIV response, and ending the spread. #testing #treatment #stigma #empowercommunities #donate #WorldAIDSDay #RememberAndCommit #LetCommunitiesLead #EndHIV #HIVAwareness #HIVPrevention #OmandaHealthTech #omandahealthtechapp

THIS is why HIV treatment counselling needs to focus on the WHY as well as the HOW. Yes, going to the clinic is a hassle. Yes, taking a pill every day is tedious. Yes, navigating stigma and discrimination is hard. But what we've found with our Coach Mpilo model is that once men understand that HIV treatment is the key to regaining control and getting on with living the life they want, they develop the motivation and resilience to push through the hard parts. They may not love it, but they do it. We can and should keep working on improving the HOW--making clinic visits quick and pleasant, providing several months of meds at a time, offering alternative pick-up points, reducing HIV stigma, etc. But in the meantime, let's not forget to help people find their WHY.

Healthcare providers: HIV screening is part of routine health care. CDC recommends that every patient between 13 and 64 years old be screened for HIV at least once. Download CDC’s brochure on integrating routine HIV screening into your practice: https://bit.ly/4b0ly75

160 000 children were infected with HIV in 2021. Around the world, children made up 15% of all 🆘 🎗️#AIDS-related deaths (98 000) although they are only 4% of the total of people living with #HIV.   Only 52% of children living with HIV are on life-saving treatment vs 76% of adults. Breastfeeding transmission is about 50% of all vertical transmission (mother passing on HIV to her baby during pregnancy and/or child via breastfeeding.) Among children not on treatment almost 60% are ages 5-14 years old. #UNAIDS, #UNICEF, #WHO and partners have brought together a global alliance to ensure that every child living with HIV is found and receiving life-saving treatment by the end of the decade and to prevent new HIV infections among infants and children. 📝

Today is National HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD), the event was first marked in 1999 on February 7 as a day to recognize the disproportionate impact that HIV has on Black people. Notably, this year’s theme is "Engage, Educate, Empower: Uniting to End HIV/AIDS in Black Communities". HIV infection rates have significantly decreased in Black populations. Yet, Black people's decision to seek out and accept HIV prevention services may be influenced by racism, prejudice, and mistrust of the medical system. These problems might also make people less likely to get HIV treatment and care. Among Black communities, NBHAAD offers a chance to improve HIV education, testing, community involvement, and treatment.  #NBHAAD #NationalBlackHIVAIDSAwarenessDay

Do you know that Pediatric HIV refers to children who are infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). HIV can be acquired during pregnancy, childbirth, or through breastfeeding if the mother is living with HIV. Children with HIV require special care and support to manage their condition effectively. Pediatric HIV can present unique challenges compared to HIV in adults. Their immune systems are still developing, making them more vulnerable to infections and illnesses. Early diagnosis is crucial to start treatment as soon as possible and minimize potential complications. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) plays a vital role in the treatment of pediatric HIV. ART helps to suppress the virus, improve the child's immune system, and enable them to live healthier lives. Treatment regimens for children may differ from those for adults, taking into account factors such as weight, age, and developmental stages. #care4hivchildren

December 1 is #WorldAIDSDay, a day for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, to show support for people living with HIV, and to commemorate those who have died from an AIDS-related illness. With science-based HIV screening, prevention, and treatment we can help end the HIV epidemic across the globe. This #WorldAIDSDay, and every day, access free CDC tools and guidelines for your practice from CDC’s #HIVNexus: https://hubs.ly/Q02bph-b0. #StopHIVTogether #RapidTesting

A very important paper from AAP on breasfeeding 🤰🏻in HIV (+) 🦠 mothers:

Catch you tomorrow for this informative webinar!