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Topic 9 Assignment (Malcom Kimani)

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21 views3 pages

Topic 9 Assignment (Malcom Kimani)

Uploaded by

flvckomallie
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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18-11-2024

NAME: MALCOM KIMANI

REG NO: S13/02321/19

UNIT: ZOOL 143-R: Biology of HIV/AIDS and Society

Topic 9: Prevention of HIV/AIDS Disease

1. Blood and blood products are no longer a major mode of HIV transmission. Qualify this
statement.

a) Screening Blood for Transfusions

 Screening Standards: In most countries, mandatory testing of all donated blood for HIV and other blood-
borne infections ensures that contaminated blood is not used. This has drastically reduced the likelihood
of transmission during transfusions.
 Technological Improvements: Advanced testing methods, such as nucleic acid testing (NAT), allow for the
early detection of HIV, further minimizing risks.

b) Practicing no contact with injuries

Individuals must adhere to no contact with open wounds on infected persons

c) Reliance on Low-Risk Donors

 Blood donation campaigns emphasize recruiting donors from populations with a lower risk of HIV
infection.
 Strict guidelines exclude donors with a history of risky behaviors, such as unprotected sex with multiple
partners or intravenous drug use.

d) Controlling infection in health-care settings

 Healthcare workers follow "universal precautions," assuming all blood and bodily fluids could be
infectious. This includes using gloves, masks, goggles, and sterilized equipment.
 Adherence to these protocols reduces accidental exposure to infected blood in healthcare environments.

e) Decline in Unsafe Practices

 Public health education campaigns have significantly reduced practices like sharing needles and unsafe
transfusion methods, particularly in resource-limited settings.
f) Global Trends and Data

 The WHO and UNAIDS report a dramatic decline in HIV infections through blood transfusions globally.
 In regions where healthcare infrastructure is robust, the risk is almost negligible.

2. Discuss condom use as a strategy against transmission of HIV infections.

a) Effectiveness of Condoms.

 Barrier Protection: They create a physical barrier that prevents the exchange of bodily fluids, such as
semen, vaginal secretions, and blood, which are primary carriers of HIV.
 Controlled Studies: Research indicates that consistent condom use reduces the risk of HIV transmission by
over 90% during sexual activity.

b) Populations Benefiting from Condom Use

 General Public: Promotes safe sexual practices for sexually active individuals.
 Discordant Couples: Particularly effective for couples where one partner is HIV-positive and the other is
not.
 High-Risk Groups: Essential for sex workers, their clients, and people engaging in casual or multiple sexual
relationships.

c) Challenges faced

 Cultural Barriers: Some communities stigmatize condom use, associating it with promiscuity or lack of
trust.
 Access Issues: In low-resource settings, condoms may be unavailable or unaffordable.
 Incorrect Use: Inconsistent or incorrect use diminishes their protective effect.
 Misconceptions: Myths about condom ineffectiveness can deter their use.

d) Strategies to Promote Condom Use

 Education Campaigns: Disseminating accurate information about the role of condoms in HIV prevention.
 Subsidized or Free Distribution: Governments and NGOs often provide free or low-cost condoms to
encourage usage.
 Awareness Drives: Media campaigns and community outreach programs to normalize and advocate for
condom use.

e) Impact on HIV Transmission Rates

 Countries with robust condom promotion programs, such as Uganda's ABC (Abstinence, Be Faithful,
Condom Use) strategy, have seen notable reductions in HIV prevalence.
 Condom use has been a cornerstone of "combination prevention," complementing other strategies like
behavior change and HIV testing.

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