Raphael Hebert’s Post

World AIDS Day, observed annually on December 1st, is a global initiative dedicated to raising awareness about HIV/AIDS, commemorating those lost to the disease, and advocating for policies and programs to combat it. Despite significant advancements in HIV/AIDS research and treatment, misconceptions about the virus persist, even in developed nations. Some of the common myths include: * HIV can be transmitted through casual contact: This is untrue. HIV is primarily spread through bodily fluids like blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. Casual contact such as hugging, shaking hands, sharing utensils, or using public toilets does not transmit the virus. * People with HIV look different: There is no specific physical appearance associated with HIV infection. People living with HIV can look healthy and active. * Only certain groups of people get HIV: HIV can affect anyone, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, race, or socioeconomic status. * Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is not effective: ART is highly effective in suppressing the virus and preventing its transmission. It has significantly improved the quality of life for people living with HIV. Addressing these misconceptions is crucial to reducing stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV and promoting HIV prevention efforts. By dispelling myths and providing accurate information, we can create a more compassionate and informed society. World AIDS Day serves as a reminder of the importance of continued research, prevention, and treatment efforts to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic. . . . . . #worldaidsday #hivday #december1st

🚨🚨BREAKING MYTHS, BREAKING BARRIERS: HIV/AIDS, TESTING AND LIVING POSITIVELY. 👉🏾Despite all efforts, HIV/AIDS remains one of the most significant public health challenges. Myths and misconceptions have to be put aside, and it is now time for a narrative shift-for community empowerment and to effect change through facts, compassion, and action. Debunking Common Myths ❌Myth: HIV only affects certain groups of people. ✅Fact: HIV can affect anyone, irrespective of age, gender, or background. Knowledge and prevention are the ways to go in halting the spread. ❌Myth: A positive diagnosis with HIV is a death sentence. ✅Fact: Thanks to the advancement of treatments, people with HIV can have long and healthy lives, proof that early intervention and care are everything. ✅The Power of Testing 👉🏾Early diagnosis is key in any endeavor to control an epidemic. Testing for HIV is quick, discreet, and saving lives. For HIV, testing itself will not be simply a health check but a wake up call for action in prevention, care, and support. ✅Living Positively 👉🏾People living with HIV can thrive! With treatment and support, they can live full, productive lives. Let's shift the focus from fear to empowerment and create environments where health is the goal, stigma is the enemy, and positive living is the outcome. Let's Lead the Change Together 👉🏾We are in a strategic position as public health professionals to help reframe the dialogue around HIV/AIDS. We will keep dispelling the myths, keep encouraging testing, and support people living with HIV toward a future where health, dignity, and positivity are achievable for all. Far from over, the fight against HIV/AIDS is one that we can make a world of difference in together. Let's share knowledge, stamp out stigma, and let everyone have a healthy and fruitful life without consideration of one's status. PUBLICHEALTHMATTERS🚨 @THEEVISIONARY🍁

Today, on World AIDS Day, I take a moment to reflect on the journey of HIV – from “death sentence” of the past to the hope and progress we see today. When HIV first came to light during my teenage years, it was seen as a death sentence.  Decades later, thanks to the tireless work of many, we’ve witnessed incredible advancements in medicine and care.  Today, people living with HIV (PLHIV) can live long, healthy, and fulfilling lives. But the journey isn’t over. Fear and stigma still cast a shadow on too many lives. The path to ending the HIV epidemic is paved not only with scientific progress but also with compassion, education, and advocacy. That´s why I am so proud to work for ViiV Healthcare, a company with a clear purpose: to help end the HIV epidemic and ensure no one is left behind.  On this World AIDS Day, I stand with my colleagues, and the entire HIV community to keep pushing forward until the fight is won. Let’s continue to break down barriers, tackle stigma, and support those impacted by HIV.  #WorldAIDSDay #EndHIV #NoStigma

Honoring World AIDS Day This past December 1st, we joined the global community in observing World AIDS Day - a time to reflect, raise awareness, and inspire hope for a future free of HIV/AIDS. This year’s theme, "Advancing Research, Inspiring Hope," highlights the importance of continued innovation and collective action in addressing the challenges of HIV/AIDS. Did you know? 1️⃣ 38.4 million people globally were living with HIV in 2021. 2️⃣ Advances in research have made HIV manageable with antiretroviral therapy (ART), significantly improving the quality of life for millions. 3️⃣ Despite progress, stigma, and inequitable access to care remain barriers to achieving health equity. At BWICR, we are committed to advancing research and fostering inclusivity in healthcare. Together, we can contribute to transformative change and support the fight against HIV/AIDS! Resources to Learn More and Get Support: ◽ UNAIDS: Global HIV Statistics – Stay updated with the latest global statistics on HIV/AIDS and the progress being made worldwide. Visit: https://www.unaids.org/en ◽CDC: HIV Basics – Learn about prevention, testing, and treatment, directly from one of the most trusted public health organizations. Visit: https://lnkd.in/dXSDds6 ◽HIV.gov Resources – Access comprehensive resources on HIV care, policy updates, and support networks for individuals and communities. Visit: https://www.hiv.gov/ ◽Ending the HIV Epidemic Initiative – Discover how the U.S. government is working toward a future free of HIV through strategic action plans. Visit: https://lnkd.in/eurxBuk Let us continue to work toward health equity and inspire hope through research and action. 💪🏽 #bwicr #WorldAIDSDay #HealthEquity #AdvancingResearch #clinicaltrial #clinicalresearch #clinicalresearcHER

People with HIV are living longer, healthier lives. However, this brings a new set of challenges that require our focused attention. Globally, 39 million people are living with HIV, and thanks to significant medical advancements, many of them are now ageing into their 50s, 60s, and beyond. In Nigeria, where +- 1.9 million people are living with HIV, we must consider how our healthcare systems are equipped to meet the complex needs of this growing population. Ageing with HIV is a multifaceted challenge. Older adults with HIV are more likely to experience a range of health issues, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis, at an earlier age than their HIV-negative counterparts. Also, they often face compounded stigma, both from living with HIV and the challenges associated with ageing. The United Kingdom provides an example of how proactive healthcare policies can make a difference. In 2022, the UK reported only 2,000 new HIV infections and saw significant progress in reducing AIDS-related deaths. As more individuals in the UK age with HIV, their healthcare system is increasingly focusing on providing comprehensive, integrated care that addresses both the physical and mental health needs of these individuals. It's imperative that we create systems capable of addressing the unique needs of older adults living with HIV, ensuring that they receive the care, respect, and dignity they deserve. On this National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day, let’s renew our commitment to supporting those ageing with HIV by advocating for healthcare systems that are responsive to their needs and by continuing to push for innovative solutions that will allow them to age with dignity and grace.

World AIDS Day: Reflecting on the Past, Acting for the Future Today, on World AIDS Day, we reflect on the ongoing fight against HIV/AIDS, honor those we've lost, and show support for those living with HIV. As a global community, we must continue to raise awareness, fight stigma, and ensure access to life-saving care and treatment for all. We are proud to share this powerful article, written by a dedicated healthcare professional, shedding light on the importance of education, testing, prevention, and ending stigma surrounding HIV. It is a timely reminder of the strides we’ve made and the work still ahead to achieve an AIDS-free generation. 🔗 Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/ee9GyVGN 🖊 Written by: MCo. IRENE MUHINJAH Let’s continue to act, educate, and support the global effort to end HIV/AIDS.

Shatter the Stigma, Together against HIV/AIDS…. A number of us have encountered misconceptions about HIV/AIDS—often shaped by misinformation. But knowledge can change everything. Today, on World AIDS Day, let’s set the record straight by addressing some common myths and sharing the facts: 📌 Myth: HIV and AIDS are the same. Fact: HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that weakens the immune system, while AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is the advanced stage of an untreated HIV infection. 📌 Myth: HIV is a death sentence. Fact: HIV is not a death sentence. With proper care and antiretroviral therapy (ART), people with HIV can live long, healthy, and fulfilling lives. 📌 Myth: HIV is only transmitted through sex. Fact: While unprotected sexual intercourse is a common mode of transmission, HIV can also spread through shared needles, blood transfusions, and from mother to child during childbirth. It cannot be spread through mosquito bites, hugging, or sharing food. 📌 Myth: There’s no way to prevent HIV/AIDS. Fact: Prevention methods include: • Abstinence • Being faithful to one partner • Correct and consistent condom use Other options, like pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), also significantly reduce the risk. 💡 Join the conversation! What other myths have you heard about HIV/AIDS? Share them in the comments, and let’s debunk them together. This World AIDS Day, commit to spreading truth, challenging stigma, and building a more informed and compassionate community. #WorldAIDSDay #EndHIV #EducateEmpowerEndStigma #TaketheRightsPath

THERE HAS BEEN A GREAT DISCONNECT BETWEEN THE MOHMNS HIV STRATEGIES AND INVOLVEMENT OF THE PRIVATE HEALTHCARE HOSPITALS AND CLINICS WHEN MAJORITY OF CASES ARE BEING REFERRED. THE PRIVATE HEALTHCARE SECTOR NEEDS TO BE RECOGNIZED FOR IT CONTRIBUTIONS TO HEALTH IN FIJI . THEY INCLUDED civil society organizations, non-government organizations, and community-based organizations BUT not the PRIVATE sector in its entirety when we are have a state of HIV epidemic. The latest National HIV Stakeholders meeting in Suva, Fiji, addressed the pressing global health challenge of HIV¹. The Health Minister, Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu, emphasized that Fiji is facing a formidable battle on the HIV front¹². He highlighted the staggering 260% increase in new HIV cases since 2010¹. The transmission of HIV from mothers to their children has risen, with 14 children under the age of four diagnosed last year¹². The rise in AIDS-related deaths, with a record-breaking 46 lives lost to this unforgiving disease, was also discussed². The meeting served as a platform for diverse stakeholder groups to share their unique perspectives, foster dialogue, and seek common ground in their relentless pursuit of progress against HIV¹². The aim was to craft meaningful strategies, develop innovative approaches, and bolster collective determination to propel the HIV agenda forward¹². Dr. Lalabalavu assured representatives from civil society organizations, non-government organizations, and community-based organizations that the Ministry is steadfast in its dedication to the cause and will continue to work tirelessly on their behalf². He emphasized that together, they have the power to transform the trajectory of HIV in Fiji and beyond². Reference 17/18/2024 (1) Stakeholders meet to counter HIV - The Fiji Times. https://lnkd.in/gEwxAJ_w. (2) HIV infections in Fiji increased 260% since 2010, making Fiji the .... https://lnkd.in/gjX9vCn8. (3) Usfijitimes | Stakeholders meet to counter HIV. https://lnkd.in/gX7D7b_R.

Today is World AIDS day The World AIDS Day is observed annually on December 1st to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and honor those affected by the disease. This year's theme is Collective Action: Sustain and Accelerate HIV Progress The day was first observed in 1988 and has since become a global event to promote awareness, education, and advocacy on HIV/AIDS. According to the United Nations, the world can end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 if everyone's rights are protected. Today is an opportunity to reflect on the progress made in the fight against HIV/AIDS and to recommit to ending the epidemic From statistics over $100 billion in the global HIV/AIDS response since 2003, saving over 20 million lives and preventing millions of HIV infections. You can get involved in World AIDS Day by 👉🏿 Wearing a red ribbon, ;the international symbol of HIV/AIDS awareness - 👉🏿 Sharing information about HIV/AIDS on social media using the hashtag #WorldAIDSDay 👉🏿- Supporting organizations that provide HIV/AIDS services and advocacy 👉🏿- Getting tested for HIV and encouraging others to do the same. Let's work together to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic! I shared a previous presentation on the Pre -analytical challenge and Issues of HIV diagnosis and Viral load monitoring, to get access to the PDF you can join this group following this link https://lnkd.in/dfHbQKza Dr. Aliu Israel #WorldAIDSDay 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿

Today, we come together to mark World AIDS Day, a moment to honor those we've lost to AIDS and to celebrate the progress we've made in HIV research and treatment. This year's theme, "End Inequalities. End AIDS," is a powerful reminder of our ongoing fight against this epidemic and the need for equitable healthcare access for all. I want to highlight a few recent breakthroughs over the past decade: 1. Researchers at the University of Western Ontario have developed a promising HIV-virus-like particle (HLP) that can effectively target and eliminate latent HIV reservoirs. This innovative approach could potentially lead to a functional cure for millions living with chronic HIV. 2. The LATITUDE study has shown that long-acting antiretroviral therapy (ART) with cabotegravir and rilpivirine is significantly more effective in maintaining viral suppression compared to daily oral ART. This advancement offers new hope for those struggling with adherence to daily medication 3. PrEP and PEP Advancements: The World Health Organization (WHO) has updated guidelines to enhance access to HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), emphasizing community-based delivery and task sharing to reduce barriers like stigma and ensure timely access. Additionally, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) continues to be a highly effective method for preventing HIV, with new medications and delivery methods making it more accessible than ever. As we reflect on these advancements, let's also remember the importance of compassion, support, and solidarity in the global effort for continued progress. #WorldAIDSDay