The effective use of condoms and screening of blood transfusion in North America, Western and Central Europe is credited with the low rates of AIDS in these regions. Adopting these effective prevention methods in other regions has proved controversial and difficult. The Vatican opposes the use of condoms and many countries do not screen blood transfusions for HIV antibodies.
|
> Safer sex
Health organizations endorse the "ABC Approach" to lower the risk of acquiring AIDS during sex:
- Abstinence or delay of sexual activity
- Be faithful and reduce partner numbers
- Condom use
Health experts around the world advocate the proper use of condoms to prevent the spread of AIDS. Using a condom significantly reduces the risk of acquiring AIDS.
> HIV blood screening
Blood transfusions remain a source of new HIV infections. According to the World Health organisation, "between 5% and 10% of HIV infections worldwide are transmitted through the transfusion of infected blood and blood products." In those countries where improved donor selection and antibody tests have been introduced, the risk of transmitting HIV infection to blood transfusion recipients has been effectively eliminated.
> Medical procedures
Medical workers who follow universal precautions or body substance isolation such as wearing latex gloves when giving injections and washing the hands frequently can help prevent infection of HIV. The risk of being infected with HIV from a single prick with a needle that has been used on an HIV infected person though is thought to be about 1 in 150 . Post-exposure prophylaxis with anti-HIV drugs can further reduce that small risk.
Health clinics in some countries are responsible for as much as 30% of HIV transmission worldwide. There is an urgent need to address medical transmission as a priority in these countries.
> Intravenous drug use
HIV can be transmitted by the sharing of needles by users of intravenous drugs. Cumulative data from 1981 to 2001 has shown that 31% of people with AIDS in the United States are injection drug users. All AIDS-prevention organisations advise drug-users not to share needles and to use a new or properly sterilized needle for each injection. Information on cleaning needles using bleach is available from health care and addiction professionals and from needle exchanges.
> Mother to child transmission
About one in four babies born to HIV infected mothers are infected with HIV. Studies have shown that antiretroviral drugs, cesarean delivery and formula feeding reduce the chance of transmission of HIV from mother to child.
When replacement feeding is acceptable, feasible, affordable, sustainable and safe, avoiding breast feeding by HIV infected mothers is recommended. Otherwise, exclusive breastfeeding is recommended during the first months of life and should be discontinued as soon as possible.
|
