Role of

NSS Volunteer in

HIV Prevention

Presented By

SHIJU JOHN CHOLLAMPEL

Founder director & Social Worker

EYEMATES FOUNDATION

• What do you mean by these two words?
• Is there any difference between them?
• If yes, what is it?

Know the Participants

History

• First case reported in world : 1981
• Named as AIDS : 1982
• The virus isolated HIV : 1983
• First case reported in India : 1986
• AIDS Control programme started in 1986
• First case reported in Kerala : 1987

Initial Intervention

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1985-1991

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• Launch and expansion of HIV Sero-Surveillance
• Constitution of National AIDS Committee
• Focus on blood screening and awareness generation
• Mid-term plan for identified vulnerable areas

NACP Phase-1

1992-1999

• Establishment of NACO and SACS
• Implementation of large-scale awareness generation campaigns
• Licensing of blood banks and banning of professional donors
• Collaboration with NGO/CBO for prevention interventions among high-risk groups (HRG)

NACP Phase-2

1999-2007

• Launch and expansion of peer-led targeted interventions (TI) through NGO/CBO
• Establishment of facilities for VCT and PPTCT
• Introduction of ARV and establishment of ART centers
• Adoption of the National AIDS Prevention & Control Policy and National Blood Policy

NACP Phase-3

2007-2012

• Rapid scale-up of the service delivery facilities
• Offering of HIV counselling and testing services to pregnant women as an essential component of ANC services
• Programme management decentralized up to the district level with the establishment of DAPCU

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NACP Phase-4

2012-2017

• Launch of National HIV/AIDS toll free helpline – 1097
• Adoption of dual elimination of vertical transmission (of HIV & Syphilis) in NACP guidelines
• Launch of NACP interventions in prisons and other closed settings
• Strategic expansion of the reach of HIV screening services with FI-ICTC and CBS
• The HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Bill introduced

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NACP Phase- 4 Extn

2017-2021

• 90-90-90 Strategy implemented
• HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017
• Launch and scale-up of the ‘Test and Treat’ policy for HIV patients
• Launch and scale-up up universal viral load testing for on-ART PLHIV
• Scale-up of NACP interventions in prisons and other closed settings

NACP Phase- 5

2021-2026

• Reduce Annual New HIV Infections by 80%
• Reduce AIDS- related Mortalities by 80%
• Eliminate Vertical Transmission of HIV and syphilis
• Eliminate HIV/ AIDS-related Stigma and Discrimination

Basics

What is HIV?

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) attacks the immune system, making the body vulnerable to infections and diseases.

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What is AIDS?

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is the most severe stage of HIV infection, leading to the deterioration of the immune system.

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Global Impact:

Millions of people worldwide are living with HIV/AIDS.

Awareness and prevention play a crucial role in reducing the spread of HIV.

Statistics

State wise Prevalence

Adult prevalence (%) in India by State, 2021

Modes of Transmission

Common Transmission Routes:

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• Unprotected sexual contact.
• Sharing of needles or syringes.
• Blood transfusion with infected blood.
• From mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.

Myths & Facts

Common Myths:

HIV can spread through casual contact like hugging or sharing food.

Mosquitoes can transmit HIV.

Facts:

HIV is transmitted only through specific body fluids (blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk).

With proper treatment, people with HIV can lead long, healthy lives.

Prevention Strategies

Safe Practices:

Consistent and correct use of condoms.

Avoiding needle sharing and practicing safe drug use.

Testing and Counseling:

Regular HIV testing.

Pre- and post-test counseling to reduce stigma

Education and Awareness:

NSS Volunteers play a key role in educating communities about HIV prevention.

Risk of HIV Transmission

Know The Status

How to Know The Status

HIV can only be confirmed through Blood Test

Antibody Tests:

• Detect HIV antibodies in blood or saliva.
• Example: Rapid tests and home test kits.

Antigen/Antibody Tests (4th Generation):

• Detect both HIV antigens (p24 protein) and antibodies.
• Can identify infection earlier than antibody tests.

Nucleic Acid Tests:

• Detect HIV’s genetic material (RNA).
• Highly sensitive and used in early detection

HIV Testing Methods

Rapid HIV Test

• Method: Lateral flow immunoassay
• Detection: HIV antibodies in blood/oral fluid
• Use Case: Quick, point-of-care testing (15-30 mins)

ELISA Test

• Method: Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
• Detection: HIV antibodies
• Use Case: Screening test; if positive, followed by Western Blot

Western Blot Test

• Method: Blotting technique for HIV proteins
• Detection: Specific antibodies to HIV
• Use Case: Confirmatory test after a positive ELISA

HIV Testing Methods

PCR Test

• Method: Detects HIV RNA/DNA
• Detection: Early infection detection
• Use Case: EID in infants, early diagnosis

Early Infant Diagnosis (EID)

• Method: PCR on dried blood spots (DBS)
• Detection: Viral RNA
• Use Case: Diagnoses HIV in newborns

HIV Testing Methods

4th Generation HIV Antigen/Antibody Test

• Method: Detects both HIV antibodies and p24 antigen
• Detection: Early detection (as early as 2 weeks post-exposure)
• Use Case: Initial screening, acute HIV infection detection

Lateral Flow Assays (LFA)

• Method: Rapid detection of p24 antigen in blood/oral fluid
• Detection: Early detection of HIV infection
• Use Case: Point-of-care testing for quick screening in community settings

Treatments

HIV is not curable. However, ART helps people with HIV live long, healthy lives and reduces the risk of transmission to others.

Medication

ART stands for Antiretroviral Therapy.

ART involves taking a combination of medications to manage HIV.

TLD refers to a commonly used fixed-dose combination therapy for HIV, consisting of:

• T – Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate (TDF)
• L – Lamivudine (3TC)
• D – Dolutegravir (DTG)

Treatments

Approaches to HIV Care other than ART

Counseling & Mental Health Support: Psychological counseling, adherence support, and peer groups.

Lifestyle Modifications: Regular exercise, stress management, avoiding smoking and alcohol.

Nutritional Diet: Balanced meals, hydration, and doctor-approved supplements.

Infection Prevention: Vaccinations, prophylactic meds, and hygiene practices.

Reproductive Health: Family planning and prevention of mother-to-child transmission.

Service Outlets of KSACS

HTCS (ICTC - Jyothis & Sneha)

STI Clinic (Pulary)

ART Centre (Ushus)

Targeted Intervention (Suraksha)

Care Support Centre (Prethyasa)

Blood Banks

Role of Volunteers

Community Outreach and Education:

NSS nurses help raise awareness about HIV/AIDS, transmission, and prevention through workshops and community events.

Distributing informative materials about HIV and safe practices.

Promoting Safe Health Practices:

Encouraging the use of condoms and safe sexual practices.

Educating about the importance of regular HIV testing.

Reducing Stigma:

Creating awareness to reduce misconceptions and stigma about HIV/AIDS.

Ensuring that communities understand that HIV is not transmitted through casual contact.

Role of Volunteers

Awareness Campaigns:

NSS nurses organize health awareness camps, seminars, and street plays to inform communities about HIV.

Distributing preventive tools like condoms and hygiene kits.

Training Peer Educators:

NSS nurses train community members to become peer educators, helping extend the reach of HIV prevention efforts.

Educating people about HIV, prevention, and where to access healthcare services.

Advocacy:

Encouraging regular HIV screening and helping individuals understand their HIV status.

Care Our Self

Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)

Universal Safety Precautions (USP)

Universal Safety Precautions

What Are Universal Safety Precautions?

A set of infection control measures designed to prevent the transmission of bloodborne pathogens.

Purpose:

Protect healthcare workers, patients, and the community from infections like HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C.

Key Principle:

Treat all blood and bodily fluids as potentially infectious.

Universal Safety Precautions

Hand Hygiene:

Wash hands before and after patient contact.

Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

Wear gloves, masks, gowns, and goggles as needed.

Safe Handling of Needles and Sharp Objects:

Avoid recapping needles; dispose of them in puncture-resistant containers.

Proper Waste Disposal:

Segregate and dispose of biohazard waste correctly.

Environmental Cleaning:

Regular disinfection of surfaces and medical equipment.

Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)

What is PEP?

A preventive medical treatment started immediately after exposure to HIV.

When is PEP Used?

After potential exposure to HIV through needle sticks, blood splashes, or unprotected contact with infected fluids.

Significance:

Reduces the risk of HIV transmission by up to 80% when initiated promptly.

Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)

Step 1: Immediate Action:

Wash the exposed area with soap and water.

Flush mucous membranes (eyes, mouth) with water or saline.

Step 2: Seek Medical Help:

Report the incident immediately to the supervisor or healthcare facility.

Step 3: Start PEP Regimen:

Initiate within 72 hours of exposure (the sooner, the better).

Follow a 28-day antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimen.

Step 4: Follow-Up Testing:

Undergo HIV testing at regular intervals (baseline, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months).

Discussion

Experience Sharing and Discussion

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Thank You

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