03/12/2025
Prevention saves lives — use protection, consider PrEP/PEP, get tested regularly, and take treatment as prescribed. 💙
1. Regular HIV Testing
Knowing your status helps you take action early and protect both yourself and others. Encourage testing at least once a year, or more frequently if at higher risk.
2. Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)
PEP is emergency medication taken within 72 hours after potential exposure to HIV (such as unprotected s*x or needle injury). It must be taken for 28 days to be effective.
3. Limit Number of Sexual Partners
Reducing the number of partners lowers the risk of exposure.
4. Mutual Monogamy
Being in a faithful relationship where both partners have tested HIV-negative reduces risk.
5. Use Clean Needles & Medical Equipment
Never share needles, syringes, or sharp objects. This applies to injection drug use, tattoos, piercings, and traditional practices.
6. Medical Male Circumcision
This has been shown to reduce the risk of heteros*xual HIV transmission in men.
7. Prevent Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT)
Pregnant women living with HIV can take ARVs to prevent transmission to their babies during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding.
8. Treatment as Prevention (TasP)
People living with HIV who are on consistent ARV treatment and have an undetectable viral load cannot pass the virus on s*xually.
9. Open Communication & Education
Talking openly with partners about HIV status, testing, and protection builds trust and safety.
