Together for HIV and AIDS prevention

4.3. How do I prevent becoming HIV infected?
Section4
“Using condoms and not sharing needles are intelligent decisions that can
help you live a longer, healthier life. Through education we can learn
more about the prevention of HIV and AIDS and together we can help
stop the spread of this epidemic.”
Dikembe Mutombo, Basketball Player and UNDP Youth Emissary.
4.3.1 Sexual transmission
Sexual transmission of HIV can be prevented by abstaining from sexual activity, mutual monogamy
and/or using condoms. These behaviours are often called the ‘ABC’:
● A for abstinence (or delayed sexual initiation among young people)
● B for being faithful (or reduction in the number of sexual partners)
● C for correct and consistent condom use always (see Annex 4).
Having sex in a monogamous (faithful) relationship is safe if:
● both of you are uninfected (HIV-negative);
● you both have sex only with your partner; and
● neither one of you gets exposed to HIV through drug use or other activities.
This assumes that a relationship is between two people. In some cultures, for example in the Muslim
faith or in some countries, a man may have more than one wife. In this case, faithful relationships
with all wives are safe if all are HIV-negatives and remain that way. Otherwise, correct and
consistent condom use should be practiced with all sexual partners.
There are other sexual activities besides penetrative vaginal or anal sex, which are safe such as
kissing, erotic massage, masturbation and mutual masturbation.
4.3.2 Injecting drug use
The only way to be sure you are protected against HIV is not to inject drugs at all.
For people who inject drug, certain steps can be taken to reduce the risk of HIV infection:
● Take drugs orally (changing from injecting to non-injecting drug use).
● Never re-use or share needles, syringes, water or drug-preparation equipment.
● Use a new syringe (obtained from a reliable source, e.g. a chemist or via a needle-exchange
programme) to prepare and inject drugs each time.
● When preparing drugs, use sterile water or clean water from a reliable source.
● Using a fresh alcohol swab, clean the injection site prior to injection.
Together for HIV and AIDS prevention 37