What is HIV&AIDS? Social Support Foundation (SSF) Adwoa Serwaa Bonsu and Larissa Bolliger October 2016

What is the immune system? The immune system is the body’s defense against infections and illness It is made out of cells, proteins, tissues, and organs A T cell is a type of white blood cell that is of key importance to the immune system T cells are like soldiers who search out and destroy the targeted invaders But why is it important in connection with HIV&AIDS? Source: http://kidshealth.org/en/teens/immune.html http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=11300

What is HIV? HIV = human immune deficiency virus HIV destroys the immune system; the T cell  HIV multiples itself in the T cell and goes on to others -> the body can’t fight infections properly anymore Source: http://kidshealth.org/en/kids/hiv.html https://www.aids.gov/hiv-aids-basics/hiv-aids-101/what-is-hiv-aids/

What is the difference between HIV&AIDS? A person who is infected is called HIV positive, but doesn’t feel sick (yet) HIV destroys more and more T cells until the person develops AIDS, then the person starts to feel sick AIDS = acquired immune deficiency syndrome Source: http://kidshealth.org/en/kids/hiv.html https://www.aids.gov/hiv-aids-basics/hiv-aids-101/what-is-hiv-aids/

What are the symptoms of Hiv&AIDS? Fever Chills Rash Night sweats Muscle aches Sore throat Coughing Fatigue Swollen lymph nodes Mouth ulcers Rapid weight loss Recurring fever or profuse night sweats Extreme and unexplained tiredness Prolonged swelling of the lymph glands in the armpits, groin, or neck Diarrhea that lasts for more than a month Sores of the mouth, anus, or genitals Pneumonia Red, brown, pink, or purplish blotches on or under the skin or inside the mouth, nose, or eyelids Memory loss, depression, and other neurologic disorders Premature menopause Prolonged coughing Source: https://www.aids.gov/hiv-aids-basics/hiv-aids-101/signs-and-symptoms/

How many people are living with HIV? Worldwide in 2015 36.7 million people globally were living with HIV 2.1 million people became newly infected with HIV 1.1 million people died from AIDS Ghana in 2015 HIV prevalence in Ghana: 1.6% HIV prevalence in the Ashanti-Region: 2.7% HIV prevalence in Obuasi – pregnant women: 4.0% Sources: http://aidsinfo.unaids.org/ http://www.unaids.org/en/resources/fact-sheet http://3news.wired.com.gh/greater-accra-tops-in-hiv-ranking/

How is hiv spread? Source: http://www.nerdynaut.com/medicine/what-you-need-to-know-about-hiv

How is hiv not spread? Source: http://www.nerdynaut.com/medicine/what-you-need-to-know-about-hiv

How is HIV diagnosed? The blood or saliva is used to test for HIV, after that a second test is done (confirmation test) For a person living with HIV, regular blood tests are done to check, how many T cells are left = viral load (risk estimation of AIDS development) Source: http://kidshealth.org/en/kids/hiv.html https://www.aids.gov/hiv-aids-basics/hiv-aids-101/what-is-hiv-aids/

How is HIV treated? HIV can be treated, but HIV can not be cured -> management of opportunistic diseases The treatment is a combination of medicines called antiretroviral therapy (ART) ART prevents HIV of multiplying itself -> protects the immune system ART can… control the virus so that you can live a longer, healthier life reduce the risk of transmitting HIV to others Special ART for pregnant women, to lower the risk of mother-to-child-transmission ART is available at the Government Hospital in Obuasi (Amangoase) Source: https://www.aids.gov/hiv-aids-basics/just-diagnosed-with-hiv-aids/treatment-options/overview-of-hiv-treatments/

How do people living with hiv prevent opportunistic diseases? Avoid the exposure of infections: Cat litter and excreta or saliva of farm animals, wild animals, and pets Animal bites and scratches Persons with skin infections Raw meats, eggs, and shellfish; unwashed raw fruits and vegetables Unpasteurized dairy products Drinking untreated lake or river water Human fecal-oral contact Drugs, alcohol and tobacco Other sexually transmitted diseases Source: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1529727-overview#a2

How can i protect myself against an Hiv-infection? A abstinence B be faithful C use a condom Source: http://aids.md/aids/index.php?cmd=item&id=264

Living with HIV&AIDS People living with HIV have to take medicines every day and have to go to routinely check-ups With proper treatment, living without developing AIDS is possible for many years If you know somebody living with HIV&AIDS, treat them as every other friend or family member Source: http://kidshealth.org/en/kids/hiv.html https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRLNzkRRdez3CGo_XyVgZHtYDZBTgGNoybJp3KuwRh_kL4tfMRf

Towards a world without hiv&AIDs Help us to fight against HIV&AIDS and tell your friends and family members what you learned today! If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us: Larissa Bolliger: 0560624884 projects@ssfghana.org Louis Acheampong (Executive Director SSF): 0244605165 Source: http://www.socialworkblog.org/wp-content/uploads/WorldAidsDay.jpg

Thank you very much for your attention! Social support foundation (SSF)