By LOISE NG'ENDO MWANGI
A shadow of uncertainty hangs over the lives of millions globally, a silent threat that can be transmitted through the most intimate of connections: HIV. While significant strides have been made in understanding and managing the virus, the reality of HIV transmission remains complex shaped by social stigma, lack of awareness, and often-invisible nature of the infection itself.
HIV is transmitted through body fluids like blood, semen, vaginal fluids, primarily through unprotected sex, sharing contaminated needles and from mother to child during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
A crucial aspect of HIV transmission is the ‘window period’ where the newly infected person may test negative for the virus even though they are highly contagious.
The human story behind the story behind the statistics
1)A young couple's struggle:
A young couple, unaware of their partners’ HIV status, navigates the shocking news of a positive diagnosis, grappling with the emotional turmoil of potential transmission and the challenges of disclosure to family and friends
2)The healthcare worker fear
The healthcare profession recounts the constant vigilance required to prevent accidental needle sticks highlighting the potential risk even for those working on the frontlines of HIV prevention.
3)A mother's determination
A woman living with HIV shares her journey of ensuring her child remains HIV-negative through preventative measures and constituent treatment, demonstrating the power of informed decision making.
4)Vulnerable population
Certain demographics like sex workers, injection drug users and marginalized communities face a high risk of HIV infection due to increased exposure and limited access to healthcare.
5)Access to treatment
The availability and affordability of antiretroviral therapy (ART) plays a critical role in reducing transmission, as individuals with a suppressed viral load are significantly less likely to inflect others.
Prevention strategies
1)Condom use: Consistent and correct condom use during sexual activity remains the most effective method for prevention. HIV transmission
2)HIV testing and counselling: Regular HIV testing and pre-and post-exposure prophylaxis(PrEP and PEP) crucial tools for early detection and prevention methods is essential to combat stigma and promote responsible behaviors.
While significant progress has been made in understanding and managing HIV, the fight against transmission continues with ongoing research, improved access to treatment and a collective commitment to education and destigmatization, the goal of ending the HIV epidemic remains within reach.
This feature story aims to shed light on the complex realities of HIV transmission, highlighting the human stories behind the statistics and emphasizing the importance of ongoing prevention efforts to safeguard individuals and communities worldwide.
The Feature Stories Writer is a Second Year Journalism Student at Chuka University
MWINGI TIMES for timely and authoritative news.
No comments
Post a Comment