HIV/AIDS and UN Peacekeeping Operations Unit 4 – Part 2 HIV/AIDS and UN Peacekeeping Operations

Why is this important for me? Peacekeeping operations carry a risk for HIV transmission. You need to know about prevention so you can: Protect your health Protect the health of others Protect the legitimacy of the mission

Learning Outcomes Explain how HIV is transmitted On completion of this session, participants will be able to: Explain how HIV is transmitted List the ABCs of prevention of HIV Describe how to use a condom properly Explain whether it is possible to tell if a person is infected with the HIV virus from their appearance

H I V What does HIV mean? = Human = Immunodeficiency = Virus HIV = a virus that causes the weakening of the human defence system against diseases.

A I D S What does AIDS mean? = Acquired virus has been received from another infected person = Immune the body’s defence system against disease = Deficiency not working properly – the immune system is weak = Syndrome collection of symptoms associated with a particular disease

How is HIV spread?

HIV is spread by… Unprotected sex with infected partner - vaginal, oral or anal Infected blood / blood products Sharing contaminated injection equipment – e.g. needles From mother to child during pregnancy, delivery or breastfeeding

How is HIV NOT spread?

HIV is NOT spread by… Animals or insects Water Non-sexual contact between people in daily activities Using toilets or showers Visiting a hospital or medical wing Coughing or sneezing Touching, hugging or shaking hands Sharing food or eating or drinking using utensils Working, socializing, living with or sharing the same room with an HIV positive person

What are the “A, B, Cs” of HIV Prevention?

The “A, B, Cs” of HIV Prevention = Abstinence - No sex = Be faithful - Stick to one non-infected spouse or partner = Use Condoms, if needed

Facts and Myths about Condoms Myth: Condoms are too slippery Fact: If the sex is not great, it’s not the condom’s fault! Myth: Condoms are too small for me

You Must Know How to Use a Condom Properly!

How do you know if you have HIV/AIDS?

How do you know if you have HIV/AIDS? The only way to know whether you have HIV is to have an HIV test.

Anyone can become infected! Respect persons living with HIV!

Learning Assessment Questions You can get HIV from being bitten by a mosquito. True or False You can become infected with HIV from having sex with a person one time. True or False You can contract HIV by sharing syringes or needles used to inject drugs. True or False What are the A, B, Cs of HIV prevention?

Learning Assessment Questions You can tell by looking at someone whether he or she has HIV. True or False What is the only way to know that you have HIV or AIDS? A person’s HIV status should always be treated confidentially whether they work for the UN or not. True or False A person can be infected with HIV for 10 years or more yet show no symptoms. True or False

Learning Assessment Answers You can get HIV from being bitten by a mosquito. False You can become infected with HIV from having sex with a person one time. True You can contract HIV by sharing syringes or needles used to inject drugs. False What are the A, B, Cs of HIV prevention? Abstinence; Be Faithful; Use a Condom

Learning Assessment Answers You can tell by looking at someone whether he or she has HIV. False What is the only way to know that you have HIV or AIDS? By being tested. A person’s HIV status should always be treated confidentially whether they work for the UN or not. True A person can be infected with HIV for 10 years or more yet show no symptoms. True