HIV, the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), is the pathogen that causes AIDS. The prevention of AIDS is an important public health issue and, through a series of effective preventive measures, it can significantly reduce the incidence and risk of transmission of AIDS.
I. Main HIV transmission pathways
HIV is transmitted mainly by:
1. Sexual transmission: including same-sex, heterosexual and intersex contact. In sexual contact, HIV can be transmitted through semen or vaginal secretions.
Blood transmission: The sharing of syringes, needles, drugs, inputs into HIV-infected blood or blood products, and the use of non-sterilised devices for cosmetics such as tattoos, ear piercings, etc., are at risk of HIV infection.
Mother-to-child transmission: Pregnant women infected with HIV may transmit the virus to the foetus or to the infant during pregnancy, delivery or breastfeeding.
II. Specific HIV prevention measures
With regard to the main means of transmission of HIV, the following preventive measures can be taken:
1. Sexual transmission prevention
• Clean-up: avoiding unsafe sex, especially with strangers or people who do not know their health status.
• Use of condoms: Use of high-quality condoms in sexual contact can effectively reduce the risk of HIV transmission.
Understanding the health status of the sexual partner: Before sexual relations occur, try to understand the health status of the other partner and avoid sexual contact with a known or suspected HIV-infected person.
Blood transmission prevention
• Avoid sharing syringes: do not share syringes, needles or other devices that may be exposed to blood.
• Selection of formal health-care facilities: In the case of start-up operations such as blood pumping, blood transfusions, surgery etc., selection of formal health-care facilities should be made to ensure the safety and hygienic conditions of medical supplies.
• Avoid unnecessary blood transfusions: Use of blood transfusions or blood products should be avoided except in emergency situations.
3. Prevention of mother-to-child transmission
• Testing of pregnant women: pregnant women should be tested for HIV during pregnancy in order to detect and take measures to prevent mother-to-child transmission.
Antiviral treatment: For pregnant women infected with HIV, antiretroviral treatment should be provided under the guidance of a doctor in order to reduce the load of the virus and the risk of mother-to-child transmission.
Avoid breastfeeding: HIV-infected mothers should avoid breastfeeding their babies to reduce the risk of transmission of the virus through milk.
4. Other preventive measures
• Strengthening awareness-raising campaigns to raise public awareness and awareness of AIDS through the widespread dissemination of information on its transmission, prevention and harm.
• Avoiding high-risk behaviour: high-risk behaviours such as drug abuse and prostitution, which are not only vulnerable to HIV infection but may also cause other social problems.
• Attention to personal hygiene: in daily life, attention is paid to hygiene and privacy protection and to avoiding the use of personal effects such as toothbrushes, razor blades, etc.
III. HIV prevention effectiveness and challenges
In recent years, the prevalence of AIDS has been brought under effective global control, with the spread of knowledge about and the implementation of preventive measures. However, HIV prevention challenges remain:
• The risk of sexual transmission persists: with the openness of sexuality and the diversity of sexual behaviour, sexual transmission becomes one of the main ways of transmitting HIV.
• The risk of blood transmission cannot be ignored: although the safety of medical supplies in regular medical institutions is guaranteed, illegal blood donation and illegal blood transfusions continue to occur.
• The risk of mother-to-child transmission remains: the risk of mother-to-child transmission remains that some pregnant women do not receive timely HIV testing or take effective preventive measures.
IV. Summary and outlook
HIV prevention is a long-term and arduous task that requires the joint efforts of Governments, social organizations, medical institutions and the general public. By strengthening education, implementing preventive measures and raising public health and self-protection awareness, we can effectively control the spread of AIDS and protect the lives and health of people. In the future, with advances in science and technology and improved medical care, we are expected to develop more effective HIV vaccines and treatments to provide stronger support for AIDS prevention and treatment. At the same time, we should continue to strengthen international cooperation and communication to address the global public health challenge of HIV.
