Contents
Fiji reports 552 HIV cases in first six months of year; tips to prevent spread of infectious diseaseTips to prevent HIV infectionUse condoms consistentlyPre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)Regular HIV testinglimit your number of sexual partnersavoid sharing needlesPost-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)safe blood transfusionHIV Treatment as Prevention (TasP)
Fiji reports 552 HIV cases in first six months of year; tips to prevent spread of infectious disease
Fiji’s Ministry of Health said the country recorded 552 new HIV infections in the first six months of 2024. The ministry is strongly encouraging the public, especially the youth, to avoid engaging in high-risk activities that increase the risk of contracting HIV. Read on to learn tips to prevent the spread of the infectious disease.
Fiji reports 552 HIV cases in first six months of the year
Fiji’s health ministry records 552 new cases HIV This is 33 percent more than the total number recorded in 2023. According to a report by news agency Xinhua, the Health Ministry said in its statement that 73 percent of the new cases are people under the age of 39.
It said that although sexual transmission remains the primary route of HIV spread in the Pacific island nation, 15 per cent, or 85, of the 552 new cases were reported among people who identified themselves as injection drug users.
The ministry is encouraging the public, especially the youth, to avoid engaging in high-risk activities that increase the risk of contracting HIV, including injection drug use, sharing of needles and unprotected sex with multiple partners. The ministry reiterated that with proper treatment, people living with HIV can freely engage in normal activities.
The Ministry encourages the general public, especially those involved in high-risk activities, to get tested and be aware of their HIV status.
Human immunodeficiency virus, also known as HIV, is an infection that affects the immune system. When this condition is not treated, it can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).AIDS) This is the most advanced stage of the infectious disease.
HIV damages the immune system making the body less able to fight off infections and diseases. The Mayo Clinic says that if HIV is left untreated, it can take years for the immune system to become so weakened that it leads to AIDS.
Tips to prevent HIV infection
Use condoms consistently
Latex condoms can help reduce the risk of HIV infection during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Proper use every time is important.
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)
PrEP is a daily medication for people who are at high risk of HIV. It helps reduce the chance of infection if exposed to the virus.
Regular HIV testing
Regular testing helps people know their status and take steps to protect themselves and others. Early detection helps prompt treatment, reducing the risk of infection.
limit your number of sexual partners
Reducing the number of sexual partners helps reduce the risk of infection. It is also important to know the partner’s HIV status and history.
avoid sharing needles
Injecting drugs with shared needles or syringes is a high-risk activity for HIV infection. Always be sure to use clean, sterile needles.
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)
If you are at risk of being exposed to HIV, PEP can be taken within 72 hours to reduce the risk of infection. It is a short-term treatment lasting about 28 days.
safe blood transfusion
Make sure blood products have been screened for HIV. This is usually done by healthcare providers in countries with regulated blood banks.
HIV Treatment as Prevention (TasP)
People with HIV who take antiretroviral therapy (ART) can have undetectable viral loads, preventing them from spreading the virus to their sexual partners.
(with inputs from agencies)
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