October 3, 2008

1. Responding to HIV and AIDS October 3, 2008

2. HIVstands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus AIDSstands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome What is HIV and AIDS

3. HIV lives in the blood and other body fluids that contain blood or white blood cells. What is HIV and AIDS

4. Blood Semen Vaginal fluids Breast milk Saliva Tears Sweat Urine Body Fluids High HIV Concentration (Evidence of transmission) Low or No HIV Concentration (No evidence of transmission)

5. Theimmune systemis made up of specialized cells in the bloodstream that fight off invading germs to keep the body healthy. What is HIV and AIDS

6. The human immunodeficiency virus is best known for targeting theT-cells of the immune system. It can also attack cells of the brain, nervous system, digestive system, lymphatic system, and other parts of the body. Targets

7. The T-cells (also referred to as “T4”) are the brains of the operation. These white blood cells identify infections and give orders to the T-cells, which battle infections to keep the person healthy. T-Cells

8. When a person is infected with HIV, HIV attacks and moves into a T-cell It then converts that cell into “virus reproducer”. Eventually there are so many new virus in the cell that the T-cell explodes, scattering the HIV back into the bloodstream. The new virus move on to fresh T-cells and repeat the process. Over time, the HIV can destroy all of the infected person’s T-cells. T-Cells

10. With fewer healthyT-cells, the immune system becomes powerless. It can no longer recognize and fight off common organisms that would not present a problem to a healthy immune system. Many organisms may lye dormant in the body or may enter from outside. The immune system’s weakness gives them the opportunity to wake up, multiply and cause illness. T-Cells

11. Death Infection 1 000 000- - 1000 100 000- 10 000- - 750 CD4 Count 1 000 - Viral load - 500 100 - - 250 10 - 0 - - 0 8-10Years 2- 3Years 0- 12 Weeks Anti-bodies CD4 Count Viral load Slide 25

12. These infections are known as “opportunist infections.” Once a person with anHIV-weakened immune system comes down with one or more of these rare opportunistic infections, or has aT-cellcount below 200 or 14%, that person may be diagnosed as havingAIDS. Opportunistic Infections

13. HIV can be transmitted through: Unprotected sexual intercourse with anHIV-infected person. Sharing drug injection equipment (needles) or being accidentally stuck by needles or sharp objects contaminated with infected blood. Transmission

14. Infected blood used in transfusions and infected blood products used in treatment. Transmitted through pregnancy, childbirth and/or breastfeeding and also through transplanted organs from an infected donor. Transmission

15. In the world of HIV, there are groups of individuals that are being hit the hardest. African Americans make up about thirteen percent of the total population of the United States, however they make up more than forty percent of the individuals diagnosed with HIV/AIDS since the epidemic began. African American women represent the fastest growing group of individuals infected with HIV in the United States. Targeted Groups

16. African Americans have been disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS since the epidemic’s beginning, and that disparity has deepened over time. African Americans - 13% of the U.S. population, 40% of the 944,306 AIDS cases since the start of the epidemic 1/2 of the cases diagnosed in 2006 The AIDS case rate per 100,000 population among African American adults/adolescents was more than 9 times that of whites in 2006 HIV and AIDS racial divide

17. 33 million people living with HIV worldwide Africa Other countries India China Latin Countries North America HIV in the World

18. A global view of HIV infection 33 million people [30–36 million] living with HIV, 2007

19. 2.7 million new infections in 2007 2 million deaths in 2007 2,990,000 people receiving treatment HIV in the World

20. Estimated number of adults and children newly infected with HIV, 2007 Eastern Europe & Central Asia 110 000 [67 000 – 180 000] Western & Central Europe 27 000 [14 000 – 49 000] North America 54 000 [9600 – 130 000] East Asia 52 000 [29 000 – 84 000] Middle East&North Africa 40 000 [20 000 – 66 000] Caribbean 20 000 [16 000 – 25 000] South & South-East Asia 330 000 [150 000 – 590 000] Sub-Saharan Africa 1.9 million [1.6 – 2.1 million] Latin America 140 000 [88 000 – 190 000] Oceania 13 000 [12 000 – 15 000] Total: 2.7 million (2.2 – 3.2 million) July 2008 e

32. African Americans accounted for 56% of deaths due to HIV in 2004 survival time after an AIDS diagnosis is lower on average than it is for other racial/ethnic groups HIV was the 3rd leading cause of death for African Americans, ages 25–34, in 2002 compared to the 6th leading cause of death for whites and Latinos HIV was the #1 cause of death for African American women ages 25–34 in 2004 HIV in the United States

35. Unstable housing Lack of affordable housing Health of children Access to preventive care Challenges across the health spectrum Incarceration In-prison risk behavior Sex Drug use Level of HIV education and treatment Re-integration upon release HIV in the United States

36. Black Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) Testing Awareness of status Late entry to treatment Stigma Heterosexism (homophobia) HIV in the United States

37. What would Jesus Do? What should we do now? Vision Questions

38. Develop of educational and worship resources Assist congregations with their response to HIV/AIDS Work with area offices of Global Ministries, mission personnel and partners Advocate access to quality education and prevention, treatment and care Public Policy Advocacy: UNGASS, National Policy Partnership (NMAC) UCAN (United Church HIV/AIDS Network) UCC HIV & AIDS Ministries

39. Awareness Prevention Capacity Building Care UCAN (UCC HIV & AIDS Network)

40. 1) Stay Informed: Subscribe to UCAN Stop AIDS eNews Connect on the web @ www.ucc.org/ucan Join the UCAN cause on Facebook 2) Help Others Stay Informed: Get the facts and share them with friends and family to help break the stigma surrounding HIV & AIDS Utilize the World AIDS Day folder throughout the year 3) Get Involved:  UCAN, the UCC HIV & AIDS Network email at ucan@ucc.org, or by phone, 216-736-3217. Make a financial gift Contact your local or regional HIV & AIDS service organization Work for Policy Change. Find out how to make sure that HIV people get the resources they need, and that money is provided for HIV & AIDS research. Be An Advocate: Get involved in the fight to end the disease What can you do?

41. 4) Work to prevent HIV infections Know your HIV status by getting tested Protect Yourself: Always were a condom if you're sexually active. Limit the number of sexual partners. If you're not ready to take responsiblity for your own health, abstain from sex.   Find out more about the role that other STDs play in heightening your risk of HIV infection Support Others: Find out how to be supportive to friends, family and others who test HIV postive by arming yourself with the facts. Talk About It: Don't let the disease continue to fester under a cloak of silence. Continue to talk about HIV AIDS with your crew. Take Responsibility: Don't abdicate your responsibility for your own sexual health. Take charge! Do all you can to protect yourself from HIV/AIDS. What can you do?

42. 5) Help your church access and build their capacity for response Assess your church’s HIV & AIDS competencies Work with others to create a plan of action 6) Care for those living with and affected by HIV Accompaniment: spiritual and emotional support Volunteer for homebased care and support What can you do?

43. Thank You! Questions?