Living Well With HIV/AIDS

May is AIDS awareness month in Anguilla. The aim of the month is to keep people not only aware of HIV, but to be vigilant of HIV prevention practices.

HIV is increasingly recognized as a major developmental problem in the Caribbean. AIDS is a disease caused by a virus called HIV. This virus is spread through the transmission of infected body fluids such as semen, vaginal secretions and blood into the body of another person. The entry into your body occurs through broken skin and mucous membranes ( tissues that line the mouth, vagina, rectum, and urethra). Any activity where one person penetrates another sexually without the proper use of a condom can spread the virus. Any cutting into the body with HIV contaminated instruments can cause infection. This includes needles used by IV drug users, unsterilized medical or dental equipment, as well as ear piercing, tattooing and manicure equipment.

Some people who are living with HIV tend to believe that because they are already infected they need to find a sexual partner who is also infected with the virus. This is a dangerous belief. Once you are infected with HIV you MUST be extra careful with your body. When you have unprotected sexual intercourse with someone who is also infected you are exposing yourself to more of the virus. This increases your viral load. It is very important that you talk to your doctor about a viral load check.

We have been fighting HIV in the Caribbean for twenty years now and we are no closer to a cure. Inspite of this there is something we can do. We can all ensure that people are aware that HIV and AIDS are real issues. We can ensure that people should not have to hide their HIV status. If you are living with HIV, it is not your fault that you have it. Anybody can become infected with HIV.

National AIDS Programme