Basic Facts about HIV & AIDS

This information is very, very IMPORTANT. 

AIDS patient.

Take it seriously. Take time to read it, absorb it, and understand it to act on it. You will need it in the journey to your life because those of us living now were born into an AIDS generation. It is the individual’s responsibility to PREVENT contracting HIV infection. 

Youths are yet to face the reality of life, therefore, encounter it with informed choices. Do not ignore HIV knowledge, or do not pretend, or do not stay away from HIV education, be informed, stay healthy. The Basic Facts on HIV/AIDS information provided on this page is to help you stay informed.

What is HIV?

HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It’s a virus that weakens the body’s defence (immune) system until it can no longer fight any illnesses such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, malaria, cancerous tumours, and other medical conditions. HIV infects and kills human CD4 cells (T cells) whose job is to tell our immune system to defend against infection.

What is AIDS?
AIDS stands for Acquired Immuno-Deficiency Syndrome. A person is deemed to have AIDS when HIV seriously damages his or her immune system and becomes sick with opportunist infections such as pneumonia, malaria, tuberculosis, diarrhoea, etc...

Does HIV or AIDS have a cure?
At this stage, there is NO cure or vaccine for both HIV and AIDS. However, some treatments prolong the onset of HIV and AIDS. Many with AIDS are now living with a good quality of life, supported by available HIV and AIDS treatments, family support, and positive living.

What is the mode of HIV transmission in PNG?

In PNG HIV is mainly transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse with an HIV positive person. HIV is transmitted by body fluids such as semen, pre-ejaculate fluid, blood, vaginal secretions, or breast milk. HIV is highly likely to be spread through contaminated needles used for injecting drugs, and also for tattooing or body piercing.

How can we protect ourselves from contracting HIV infection?
Individuals can protect themselves from HIV by using ABC strategies;

A = Abstaining or
B = Be faithful to one sexual partner or
C = Use Condom.

If you want to have sex with someone you do not know. Do not share used sharps (they may be infected). If you have sex with a partner who is free from HIV, always correctly use a condom. Proper and consistent condom use can prevent early teenage pregnancy, sexually transmitted infection that includes HIV.

What puts you at risk?
The practice of unsafe vaginal sexual intercourse, oral or anal sex, outside the marriage with someone you do not know unless both partners are medically free from HIV for at least 6 months.

What are the symptoms of HIV?
Many people living with HIV, apparently healthy for many years. Therefore, we cannot depend on any symptoms or signs. The ONLY way to know if individuals have HIV is through a blood test.

Can HIV transmit through casual contact with an infected person?
NO. HIV does not spread by casual contacts such as playing sports, hugging, working together, sharing drinking glasses, breathing the same air, shaking hands, using the same washing water or toilet, touching, closed-mouth kissing, sharing eating utensils or towels, swimming in the same pool, or coming in contact with their sneezes, coughs, tears or sweat. Mosquitoes or animal bites or donating blood do not transmit HIV infection.

What to do if you think you’re at risk?
If you think you’re at risk, or have unprotected sexual contact with a stranger or someone you do not know, go for Volunteer Counselling & Testing (VCT) at the STI and HIV/AIDS clinic, or visit the Provincial AIDS Committee Office for help.

Is HIV testing done in private?
YES. Tests are done in private. No name will be made known to the public, or relatives, health or HIV Workers unless permission is granted by the people who turn out to have HIV.

What is the benefit of VCT?
Knowing your HIV status will help you make positive decisions that will help you stay healthy. You will be provided with information to guide your life to a positive lifestyle. You will go through intensive counselling which will provide opportunities for you to learn about what are HIV, AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI), whether you’re positive or negative.