What is HIV and How is it Transmitted?

HIV is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system, specifically the CD4 cells (T cells), which help fight infections. If left untreated, HIV can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).

Modes of Transmission

• Unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected person
• Sharing needles, syringes, or other injecting equipment
• From mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding
• Blood transfusions with contaminated blood (rare in settings with strong health systems)

Note: HIV is not transmitted through casual contact, hugging, sharing utensils, or mosquito bites.

Why HIV Testing is Important

Early testing saves lives. Knowing your HIV status empowers you to:

• Start treatment early if you’re positive
• Protect your partners and make informed choices
• Access support services for healthy living
• Reduce the spread of HIV in your community

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 84% of people living with HIV know their status. The global goal is to reach 95-95-95 targets: 95% tested, 95% treated, and 95% virally suppressed.

Types of HIV Tests

1. Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs)
   • Results in 20 minutes or less
   • Commonly used in clinics, community outreaches, and self-testing kits
2. ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay)
   • More sensitive, usually done in laboratories
   • Ideal for confirming positive results from rapid tests
3. HIV Self-Testing (HIVST)
   • Oral swabs or finger-prick kits

1. Confidential, private, and easy to use at home
2. Nucleic Acid Tests (NATs)
   • Detect the actual virus in the blood
   • Mainly used for early detection or in infants born to HIV-positive mothers

Where to Get Tested

• Government and private health facilities
• Community-based organizations and mobile clinics
• Universities and youth-friendly centers
• Pharmacies and online platforms offering self-test kits

In Uganda, free HIV testing is available in public health facilities, and community outreaches often offer door-to-door or mobile testing services.

Understanding Test Results

• Negative: No HIV detected. If recently exposed, retest in 3 months.
• Positive: HIV is present. A confirmatory test will follow.
• Indeterminate: Unclear result; another test will be recommended.

HIV Prevention Strategies

1. Abstinence and Safe Sexual Practices

• Abstain or delay sexual debut
• Use condoms consistently and correctly
• Reduce number of sexual partners

2. HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)

• Daily medication for HIV-negative individuals at high risk
• Highly effective when taken consistently

3. HIV Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)

• Emergency medication taken within 72 hours after potential exposure
• Taken for 28 days

4. Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC)

• Reduces risk of heterosexual men acquiring HIV by up to 60%

5. Treatment as Prevention (TasP)

• HIV-positive individuals on ART with undetectable viral loads cannot transmit the virus sexually (U=U)

Living Positively with HIV

HIV is not a death sentence. With antiretroviral therapy (ART), people living with HIV can live long, healthy lives.

• Adherence to treatment is crucial
• Regular monitoring of viral load and CD4 count
• Balanced nutrition, exercise, and mental health support
• Join support groups and connect with community organizations

Role of Youth in HIV Prevention

• Advocate for accurate sex education
• Use digital platforms to raise awareness
• Get tested and encourage peers
• Fight stigma and discrimination

Conclusion

Ending HIV starts with you. Know your status. Protect yourself and others. Support those living with HIV. Whether you’re a youth, parent, or healthcare provider, your actions can help eliminate new infections and ensure no one is left behind. Together, we can build an HIV-free generation.