May 2024
Our trainer, Sangeeta Singh, reviewed our last session and we discussed what she had seen during home visits. Sangeeta also thanked us after seeing good changes in our lives. Then, the she started to discuss HIV/AIDS. Before this, I wasn’t familiar with the subject. Here is what I learned: Not everyone with HIV will develop AIDS.
HIV can be detected through a blood test, but may not be identifiable within the first three months of infection. This period is called the “window period.” However, an infected person can still transmit the virus during this time. An individual with HIV may remain healthy for up to 10 years or more without symptoms. AIDS is diagnosed when the immune system is significantly damaged, leading to multiple opportunistic infections such as pneumonia, skin cancer, and infections of the vagina and penis.
Current situation: There is no cure for HIV yet, but treatments are available to slow the progression to AIDS. Prevention is crucial: safe sexual practices, proper use of condoms, safe use of needles and skin-piercing tools, and ensuring blood is tested before transfusions. The Nepal government also provides medicine at no cost.
HIV/aids is still a taboo in our community, and we cannot discuss it openly. I learned a lot about HIV/aids, but I am not sure how to share those experiences with others.
We agreed and developed the following Action Plan.
Educate our Family: Share information about HIV/AIDS with family members and partners.
Will take Preventive Actions:
- Practice safe sexual behaviors and use condoms correctly.
- Use clean, sterilized needles and skin-piercing tools.
- Ensure any blood for transfusion is thoroughly tested.
Interacting with HIV-Infected Individuals:
- Treat HIV-positive individuals with respect and dignity.
- It is safe to shake hands and have normal social interactions with them.
We concluded the discussion by expressing gratitude to the WAWCS Program and our trainer for educating us about this important health issue. Everyone thanked each other and left with a better understanding of HIV/AIDS.
Thank you for the opportunity to learn about this critical and incurable disease.