World AIDS Day on 1st December brings together people from around the world to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and demonstrate international solidarity in the face of the pandemic. Many countries, including Anguilla, use this time to bring greater awareness of this serious pandemic. It is estimated that approximately 34 million people are living with HIV.
AIDS/HIV in Anguilla
According to figures released by the National Aids Committee, as of 2011 there are thirty nine (39) cases of HIV/AIDS in Anguilla. There is a feeling that the incidence is much higher as some individuals travel overseas for testing and treatment. There is no doubt that HIV/AIDS still remains a major public health problem in Anguilla. As we observe World Aids Day it should be a time for us here in Anguilla to encourage and undertake more strategies in HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care on the island.
Facts about HIV/AIDS
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is responsible for the HIV/AIDS pandemic. This virus is a retrovirus that infects cells of the immune system, destroying or impairing their function. As the infection progresses, the immune system becomes weaker and the person becomes more susceptible to infections. The most advanced stage of HIV infection is acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). It can take 10-15 years for an HIV-infected person to develop AIDS; antiretroviral drugs can slow down the process even further.
How is HIV transmitted?
There are many ways this virus is transmitted. These include the following:
• Unprotected sexual intercourse (anal or vaginal)
• Transfusion of contaminated blood
• Sharing of contaminated needles
• Between an infected mother and her infant during pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding.
Prevention
Many individuals continue to ask how they can prevent HIV/AIDS.
There is no vaccine to prevent HIV infection and no cure for AIDS, but it is possible to protect yourself and others from infection. That means educating yourself about HIV and avoiding any behaviour that allows HIV-infected fluids — blood, semen, vaginal secretions and breast milk — into your body.
The following might prove helpful in limiting your risk of HIV transmission through sex:
• Use male or female condoms correctly each time you have sex.
• Remain faithful in a relationship with an uninfected equally faithful partner with no other risk behaviour.
• Abstain from sex. (especially children of school age).
Individuals are encouraged to see their health care provider if they require more details on HIV/AIDS prevention.
GET TESTED
HIV testing is available in Anguilla. Individuals are encouraged to get tested. You can get tested at the lab at the Princess Alexandra Hospital, at the various clinics on the island as well as at the office of the National AIDS Unit, and other private medical clinics on the island. There are many reasons why you should be tested. If you know that you are HIV positive, you can take steps before symptoms appear to access treatment, care and support, thereby potentially prolonging your life for many years.If you know that you are infected, you can take precautions to prevent the spread of HIV to others.
Is there treatment for HIV/AIDS?
There is treatment available for HIV/AIDS in Anguilla. The use of combination anti retroviral treatment has led to more people in Anguilla living longer with the virus and also to decreases in complications associated with the virus. There is no cure for HIV/AIDS at this time but, with good and continued adherence to antiretroviral treatment, and healthy living, the progression of HIV in the body can be slowed to a near halt. Increasingly, people living with HIV can remain well and live productive lives for extended periods of time.
Conclusion
HIV/AIDS continue to affect many individuals here in Anguilla and throughout the world. Health professionals and others in Anguilla continue to develop and implement strategies to prevent the spread of this virus and improve care of those who are affected. Shortly, a team from PAHO/WHO will be in Anguilla reviewing our guidelines for the management of HIV/AIDS. There is no cure for HIV/AIDS, but there are medications that can dramatically slow the progression of the disease. These drugs have reduced AIDS deaths in many countries. Despite this, HIV/AIDS continues to decimate populations in some countries. HIV/AIDS is still in Anguilla. Do your part to help us deal with this pandemic.
Ask Your Doctor is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. Dr Brett Hodge is an Obstetrician/Gynaecologist and Family Doctor who has over twenty nine years in clinical practice. Dr Hodge has a medical practice in the Johnson Building in The Valley.
