Public Health & Malaria Control Dept. Topic of the Week November 22-30, 2004

Transcription

1 Page 1 of 5 Public Health & Malaria Control Dept. Topic of the Week November 22-30, 2004 HIV Hasn t Gone Away Welcome to the World AIDS Day the international day of action on HIV/AIDS which takes place every year on 1 December This year, the World AIDS Day is about reminding us all that HIV is an issue for everyone, more so for Women and Girls as they are often affected without knowing about it. Thousands of new cases of HIV are being diagnosed in indonesia each year and the only way we can stop it spreading is by creating a more AIDS Aware society in which everyone takes action. HIV and AIDS around the World 37.8 million people living with HIV and AIDS 4.8 million new HIV cases in 2003

2 Page 2 of million AIDS deaths in million total HIV cases to date 20 million total AIDS deaths to date SOURCE: All international statistics are from UNAIDS, 2004 last updated: July 2004 In 2003, almost 5 million people acquired HIV, which means there are now almost 38 million people living with HIV and AIDS. Despite best efforts from governments, non-profit organisations and healthcare practitioners around the world, HIV and AIDS is still having huge global impact. HIV is one of the biggest social, economic and health challenges in the world. It is a global emergency claiming over 8,000 lives every day. In fact 5 people die of AIDS every minute. What is HIV and AIDS HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. This is the virus known to cause AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). If someone is HIVpositive, it means they have been infected with the virus. A person infected with HIV does not have AIDS

3 Page 3 of 5 until the virus seriously damages their immune system, making them vulnerable to a range of infections, some of which can lead to death. HIV is transmitted through body fluids in particular blood, semen, vaginal secretions and breast milk, in fact there are only four ways you can become HIV positive. Unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected partner (the most common); Sharing needles or other contaminated injection or skin-piercing equipment; Blood and blood products through, for example, infected transfusions and organ or tissue transplants; Transmission from infected mother to child in the womb or at birth and breastfeeding. HIV is not transmitted by casual physical contact, coughing, sneezing and kissing, by sharing toilet and washing facilities, by using eating utensils or consuming food and beverages handled by someone who has HIV; it is not spread by mosquitoes or other insect bites. Blood transfusions and the use of other blood products are safe if blood and blood products have been tested for HIV before use.

4 Page 4 of 5 HIV in Papua and Timika HIV is a real issue now within our local community: It is estimated that at least 618 people are currently living in Timika with HIV Only a small number are aware that they have HIV The number of new HIV diagnoses is rising every year A record 216 new cases on 2003 Largest group affected are those who do not practice SAFE SEX Learning more about HIV is simple, Please attend World AIDS Day event organized by Freeport PHMC department. Learn about practicing safer sex... For some time now PHMC has a substantive program of HIV/AIDS education and awareness for Freeport Community and for the public. Click here to read what Freeport PHMC is doing about

5 Page 5 of 5 HIV/AIDS. We want to hear why HIV is an issue for you and what you are doing about it (we can even suggest ways for you to get involved if that helps!) Just send us your thoughts and you might see your face appearing on our site. You can show your support for World AIDS Day by wearing the Red Ribbon.. You can contact us at: Telephone: health_advisor@fmi.com