Karibu Magazine July 2022 (updated)

HIV PREVENTION
We are not done yet
It has been 40 years since HIV (Human
immunodeficiency virus) was first identified
amongst communities in San Francisco. HIV
causes AIDS (Acquired Immuno-deficiency
Syndrome), a condition of a collection of illnesses
taking advantage of a suppressed immune
system. It became a pandemic since then and
is still around and being passed on from person
to person. Research and science have made
tremendous achievements in finding effective
treatments and looking forward to an effective
cure. Meantime, the global civil society continues
to raise awareness and encourage communities
to test for HIV. it is proven that early diagnosis
prevents HIV-related complications and reduces
onward transmission by far.
HIV can be treated successfully and avoid getting
one’s immunity to infections being destroyed.
One can maintain a healthy life even with the
virus. But if the virus is left untreated, after some
years of living with it the amount of the virus in
the body hikes up. It can destroy the immune
system to a point that other fatal infections, called
opportunistic infections, take advantage of. Also,
people with untreated HIV can easily pass it on to
others because they have a large quantity of it in
the body and in some cases without knowing that
they have it. This is why services to encourage
early diagnosis are taken to communities for
rapid HIV testing. Rapid HIV testing is a quick and
easy way of testing an individual. It only takes 3
drops of blood and within 5 minutes the result
is clear. These tests are 99.9% accurate if tested
after 10 weeks of exposure to the virus. If it is
negative (Not Reactive), a post-test discussion
encourages the person to remain negative and
points out the potential risks of getting a positive
diagnosis. If the test is Positive (Reactive), a
thorough discussion is aimed at educating the
person about managing a positive diagnosis
and a confidential referral to a sexual health
clinic is done immediately to be followed up. The
clinic continues with care and advice with more
tests done to guide them make decisions about
treatment.
Remember:
• U=U - Anyone living with HIV and on
effective treatment, cannot pass it on to
other people, that is undetectable viral load
= Untransmittable.
• PrEP - Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis is a
medication you can take before getting
exposed to HIV to prevent getting the virus.
• PEP - Post Exposure Prophylaxis is a
medication you can take after getting
exposed to HIV to HIV to prevent getting the
virus. PEP can only work within 72 hours of
being exposed to HIV.
To access Rapid HIV testing
On the Kenya in The Park weekend, 25th and
26th June 2022 at Loxford Park Ilford IG1 1JV
Positive East will be on-site to provide rapid and
confidential HIV/STI testing. Please check-in.
Badru Male
HIV Prevention & Testing Coordinator, Positive
East, 159 Mile End Road, London E1 4AQ
● Phone: 020 7791 2855 | 073 76030623
● Email: Badru.male@positiveeast.org.uk
● https://www.facebook.com/PositiveEast
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5TH EDITION | JULY 2022