HIV AIDS Protecting Ourselves

1. HIV AIDS Protecting Ourselves

2. What is HIV and AIDS? • HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus • AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, a condition caused by HIV • HIV gradually destroys the body’s ability to fight infections, eventually leading to death There is no cure or vaccine available for HIV

3. How HIV spreads? HIV is present in an Infected Person’s: Blood; Semen; Vaginal secretions & Breast Milk HIV is transmitted through: • Unprotected sexual contact with an infected person • Direct contact with or transfusion of infected blood • Sharing infected needles e.g. Injecting Drug Users • From a HIV positive mother to her unborn child, during birth, or through breast feeding For more information please contact: dwivedir@unaids.org, Mobile: 9810505068

4. You will not get HIV • By shaking hands with a HIV +ve person • By simple kissing • By donating blood • Through mosquitoes and insect bites • By sharing food & utensils with a HIV+ person • From toilet seats HIV does not spread through casual contact For more information please contact: dwivedir@unaids.org, Mobile: 9810505068

5. Who MUST get tested ? • Persons having unprotected anal, oral or vaginal sex with multiple partners • Partners of injection drug user or treated by quacks • People with sexually transmitted diseases • Rape victims as accidental exposure to HIV infection is curable if treated with-in 24 hours • Couples planning a to have a child as with medication, HIV +ve mother can have HIV –ve child ONLY RELIABLE WAY IS TESTING PROVIDE WIDESPREAD TESTING OPPORTUNITY.

6. Police are at higher risk to HIV infection High chance of injury, blood transfusion and blood to blood contact during accidents A large part of the force are in the sexually active age group Duty and long periods of deployment keep the personnel away from family High risk taking behaviour Frequent interaction with high risk population

7. These increase chance of infection • The presence of an untreated Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) • Drinking alcohol or using illegal drugs - affects judgment and behaviour • Handling blood in an un-safe manner

8. How to prevent HIV/AIDS infection • Do not have sex outside marriage • Do not share needles/syringes & avoid being tattooed • Practice safe sex by using condoms each time AND correctly • Receive only blood tested for HIV • Treat Sexually Transmitted Diseases in time • Train barbers about disinfecting razors after each use • Proper medical advice to HIV +ve mothers planning to have a child With medication, HIV +ve mother can have HIV –ve child

9. HIV is a Security threat • To you and your life • Your family • To the country • Some countries have 20-30 percent of their security personnel infected with HIV. They can-not protect themselves, their people, or their country

10. Protect yourself from HIV/AIDS, you can’t cure it • There is no cure for HIV • Prevention is the KEY so protect yourself and your family • Avoiding risky behaviour (specially unsafe sex) is the best way to control this deadly disease

11. Remember : You are a leader • Be faithful- have only safe sex • Support and encourage proper conduct among our fellow personnel • Treat the people even if infected, with respect, courtesy and consideration • Support groups/ NGOs working with high risk groups- sex workers, male and female and drug users • Respect human rights of women even if from high risk group like sex workers

12. For more information Please contact Email: dwivedir@unaids.org Mobile: +91 9810505068