HIV & STIs

HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) affect millions of people across Africa, especially young people. Many infections spread quietly because people fear testing, feel ashamed, or do not have enough information.

The truth is simple: knowing your status, protecting yourself, and getting treatment early can save lives.

Having HIV or another STI does not make someone “dirty” or “bad.” These are health conditions, and people deserve care, respect, and accurate information.

What Is HIV?

HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus.

It attacks the body’s immune system, making it harder to fight infections and diseases.

Without treatment, HIV can develop into AIDS over time.

But today, people living with HIV can live long, healthy lives with proper treatment.

What Are STIs?

STIs are infections mainly spread through sexual contact.

Common STIs include:

• Gonorrhea
• Syphilis
• Chlamydia
• Herpes
• HPV
• HIV
• Hepatitis B

Some STIs can be treated easily. Others need lifelong care.

How HIV and STIs Spread

They can spread through:

• Unprotected sex
• Sharing needles or sharp objects
• Blood contact
• Mother-to-child during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding (for HIV)
• Sexual violence

Some STIs can also spread through skin-to-skin contact.

Important: HIV Does NOT Spread Through

You cannot get HIV from:

• Hugging
• Handshakes
• Sharing food
• Mosquito bites
• Using the same toilet
• Sitting near someone with HIV

This is one of the biggest myths still affecting many communities.

Common Symptoms of STIs

Sometimes people have no symptoms at all.

Possible signs include:

• Pain during urination
• Unusual discharge
• Sores or wounds around private parts
• Lower abdominal pain
• Itching
• Bad smell
• Rashes

Because many infections stay hidden, regular testing matters.

HIV Symptoms

Early HIV symptoms may look like:

• Fever
• Sore throat
• Rash
• Tiredness
• Swollen glands

But many people feel healthy for years.

The only way to know your HIV status is through testing.

Prevention

• 1. Use Condoms Correctly

Condoms help protect against:

• HIV
• Many STIs
• Unplanned pregnancy

Use a new condom every time during sex.

2. Get Tested Regularly

Testing helps:

• Detect infections early
• Protect partners
• Start treatment quickly

Young people who are sexually active should not fear testing.

3. Limit Risky Sexual Behaviour

Having many unprotected sexual partners increases risk.

4. Avoid Sharing Sharp Objects

Do not share:

• Razors
• Needles
• Unsterilized blades
• 5. Prevent Mother-to-Child Transmission

Pregnant women should attend antenatal care early.

Treatment during pregnancy greatly reduces HIV transmission to babies.

HIV Testing

HIV testing is:

• Confidential
• Usually quick
• Available at many clinics and outreach programs

Some places also offer:

• Self-testing kits
• Youth-friendly services

Testing is not something to fear. It is part of protecting your health.

HIV Treatment

HIV has no complete cure yet, but treatment works very well.

People living with HIV take Antiretroviral Therapy (ART).

ART helps:

• Reduce the virus in the body
• Keep people healthy
• Prevent transmission to others

Many people on treatment:

• Work
• Study
• Have families
• Live normal lives
• U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable)

A person living with HIV who takes treatment properly and becomes “undetectable” cannot sexually transmit HIV to partners.

This has changed millions of lives and reduced fear and stigma.

STI Treatment

Many STIs can be cured with medicine if treated early.

Ignoring symptoms can lead to:

• Infertility
• Severe infections
• Pregnancy complications
• Long-term pain

Never self-medicate without proper guidance.

HIV, STIs, and Young People

Young people often avoid clinics because of:

• Fear of judgment
• Lack of privacy
• Cultural stigma
• Misinformation

This is why youth-friendly health services matter.

Young people deserve respectful healthcare without shame.

HIV and Gender-Based Violence

Girls and women facing:

• Forced sex
• Abuse
• Early marriage
• Exploitation

…often face higher HIV and STI risk.

Support services should include:

• Medical care
• Counseling
• Legal support
• Emergency protection
• Common Myths vs Facts
• Myth:

• “HIV means death.”

Fact:

With treatment, people can live long healthy lives.

Myth:

• “You can tell who has HIV by looking at them.”

Fact:

Many people with HIV look healthy.

Myth:

• “Only certain people get STIs.”

Fact:

Anyone who is sexually active can get an STI.

Myth:

• “Testing means you are promiscuous.”

Fact:

Testing is responsible healthcare.

• Protecting Yourself and Others
• Get tested regularly
• Use condoms correctly
• Seek treatment early
• Avoid shame and misinformation
• Support friends and family living with HIV
• When to Seek Immediate Help

Visit a clinic or hospital if:

• You were sexually assaulted
• A condom breaks during sex
• You notice sores or unusual discharge
• You think you may have been exposed to HIV

Some medicines, like PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis), can help prevent HIV if taken within 72 hours after possible exposure.

Your Rights

Everyone has the right to:

• HIV testing and treatment
• Privacy and confidentiality
• Respectful healthcare
• Accurate SRHR information
• Freedom from discrimination

No one should be mocked, rejected, or abused because of HIV status.

Final Reminder

Knowing your status is strength, not shame.

HIV and STIs are health issues, not moral failures. Information, testing, treatment, and community support save lives every day.