December 2023

MONDAY HEALTH BURST ON POST- EXPOSURE PROPHYLAXIS

HIV/AIDS, Monday Health Burst / cfhinitiative

According to Centre for Disease Control (CDC), PrEP is the medicine people at risk for HIV take to prevent getting HIV from sex or injection drug use. When taken as prescribed, PrEP is highly effective for preventing HIV.

PrEP is advisable if one tests negative for HIV, yet has had unprotected sex (oral or vaginal) in the past 6 months with a sexual partner who is living with HIV/AIDs; had unprotected sex (oral or vaginal) in the past 6 months without consistently using condom; had unprotected sex (oral or vaginal) in the past 6 months and have been diagnosed with an STD; shares needles, syringes, or other equipment to inject drugs used by someone who is HIV positive; and someone who has been prescribed PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) and report continued risk behaviour, or have used multiple courses of PEP.

According to research, PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99%, reduces the risk of getting HIV from injection drug use by at least 74%. However, PrEP is less effective when not taken as prescribed.

Aside HIV, there are other sexually transmitted diseases. Since PrEP only protects against HIV, condom use is still important for the protection against other STDs. Condom use is also important to help prevent HIV if PrEP is not taken as prescribed. Anyone considering PrEP should consult a doctor. Let’s stop HIV together.

#MondayHealthBurst #HIVAIDSPrevention #HealthForAll #PrEP CDC World Health Organization (WHO) PEPFAR Vietnam

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SPEAK WEDNESDAY ON WOMEN’S RIGHTS

Gender Based Violence, Speak Wednesday, Women's Rights / cfhinitiative

On September 5, 1995, Hillary Rodham Clinton, the First Lady of the United States, coined the phrase “women’s rights are human rights,” demonstrating that the struggle for women’s rights is a global issue that has been ongoing for centuries.

The right of women to live free from violence and discrimination, to receive an education, to earn equal pay, to occupy political positions, to have access to sexual and reproductive health, and other rights are not just confined to women but are fundamental human rights.
Despite Nigeria’s government being a signatory to the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), women still face struggles in the country’s patriarchal society, which is rife with discriminatory customs and practices that devalue women.

According to the United Nations, half of the world’s population and potential is represented by women and girls. Therefore, gender equality is not only a fundamental human right but also necessary to achieve peaceful societies, full human potential, and sustainable development. If we all respect women’s rights, we can achieve a society that is free of discrimination. It is critical to remember that women are humans too, and their rights are human rights. Gender inequality is everyone’s problem.

Speak Wednesday is an initiative of CFHI to address issues around gender-based violence and gender bias.

#SpeakWednesday #Women’sRights #HumanRights #GenderStereotype #GenderBias #GenderInequality

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MONDAY HEALTH BURST ON MOTHER TO CHILD TRANSMISSION OF HIV

Health, HIV/AIDS, Monday Health Burst / cfhinitiative

Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV remains a significant public health concern, posing a threat to the well-being of infants worldwide. Despite advances in medical science and increased awareness, preventing the transmission of the virus from mother to child remains a complex challenge that requires a comprehensive approach.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 1.3 million women and girls living with HIV become pregnant annually worldwide.
HIV can be transmitted from an infected mother to her child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. The virus can pass through the placenta, be present in the birth canal and maternal genital fluids during delivery, and can be present in breast milk. Each of these stages presents a risk of transmission, underscoring the need for targeted interventions.

Prevention Strategies:
Antiretroviral Therapy (ART): Initiating ART during pregnancy significantly reduces the risk of MTCT. This treatment helps control the viral load in the mother, minimizing the chances of transmission to the child.
Elective Cesarean Section: In cases where the mother’s viral load is high, opting for a cesarean section before the onset of labor can further reduce the risk of transmission.
Avoiding Breastfeeding: While breastfeeding is generally recommended for infant health, in the context of HIV, alternative feeding methods are often advised to eliminate the risk of transmission through breast milk.
Prevention of unintended pregnancies: Family planning services and education play a crucial role in preventing unintended pregnancies among HIV-positive women, contributing to better management and prevention of MTCT.
Preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV requires a multifaceted approach that addresses medical, social, and economic factors. Continued research, education, and global collaboration are crucial to achieving the goal of an HIV-free generation. As we strive for an AIDS-free world, prioritizing the well-being of both mothers and children remains at the forefront of public health efforts. It’s essential for infected pregnant women to receive proper medical care and follow the guidance of healthcare providers to minimize the risk to their babies.

Monday Health Burst is an initiative of CFHI to address issues of basic health concern. Join us every Monday on all our social media platforms for more episodes.

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MONDAY HEALTH BURST ON HIV TRANSMISSION PREVENTION

Monday Health Burst / cfhinitiative

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) continues to be a global health concern, affecting millions of lives. Understanding how HIV spreads and implementing effective prevention strategies are paramount in curbing its transmission. WHO estimates that at the end of 2022, 39.0 million [33.1–45.7 million] people worldwide were living with HIV, and 630 000 people died from HIV-related illnesses globally.

HIV is commonly transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse, intravenous drug use with shared needles poses a significant risk of HIV transmission. Also, HIV can be transmitted from an infected mother to her child during childbirth or breastfeeding.

Timely initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) for pregnant women and formula feeding instead of breastfeeding are preventive measures. Other prevention Strategies include:

Promoting consistent and correct condom use, education campaigns on condom efficacy and accessibility, taking antiretroviral medication before potential exposure to HIV, targeting high-risk populations and raising awareness about PrEP, providing access to clean needles among people who inject drugs, early diagnosis and initiation of ART, consistent adherence to medication to suppress the virus, raising awareness about HIV, its modes of transmission, and available prevention methods, and encouraging regular HIV testing.

In the fight against HIV, a comprehensive understanding of transmission modes and the implementation of preventive strategies are pivotal. Combining education, accessible healthcare, and supportive policies creates a robust framework for reducing HIV transmission rates and improving the overall well-being of individuals and communities. A collective effort is essential to achieve a world free from the burden of HIV.

Over the years, CFHI in partnership with other organisations such as National Hospital, Institute of Human Virology Nigeria and UNICEF, to mention but few, has carried out awareness and sensitization programs on transmission and prevention of HIV/AIDS. In 2021, CFHI celebrated World AIDS Day at Gosa Toge Community in Abuja, where over one hundred persons were tested to know their HIV status.

Monday Health Burst is an initiative of CFHI to address issues of basic health concern. Join us every Monday on all our social media platforms for more episodes.