Unmanaged HIV Affects Health, Well Being – HFDI Tells Adolescents
Hope For Family Development Initiative HFDI has informed adolescents living with HIV in Kwara state to manage their status properly, adding that an unmanaged HIV affects health and well being of victims.
These was disclosed at the monthly Operation Triple Zero (OTZ) club meeting held at the General Hospital, Omu Aran.
The facilitators who sensitised the participants on personal hygiene and the modes of HIV transmission, explained that HIV is primarily transmitted through contact with the blood and body fluids of an infected person.
Stating that the transmission can occur through unprotected sexual intercourse, sharing of sharp objects, contaminated blood transfusions, and from mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding.
The participants were also informed that if HIV is not properly managed, it can significantly negatively impact their health and overall well-being.
Furthermore, the facilitators drew a connection between personal hygiene, HIV infection, and general health, highlighting that maintaining proper hygiene can help prevent opportunistic infections such as malaria, typhoid, and diarrhea, illnesses that can be more severe in individuals living with HIV.
Similarly, the children were encouraged and reassured that they can live healthy and fulfilling lives if they adhere consistently to their antiretroviral therapy (ART) and maintain good hygiene practices.
The session which was highly interactive and impactful, had the participants asking questions, sharing personal experiences, and demonstrating a better understanding of HIV management and personal care by the end of the meeting.
The session brought together 13 Adolescents/Children Living with HIV (A/CLHIVs), three facility case managers, and community case managers from HFDI.