KMD Counseling Unit
Introduction
HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, belongs to a family of slow growing Lentiviruses in the genus of retrovirus.
Globally over 33 million
people are living with HIV, of which over 22 million of them are in
sub-Sahara
In
Technologically, the world as become a global village and HIV has become the first truly 'international' epidemic, easily crossing oceans and borders . AIDS has reversed decades of national development, widened the gulf between rich and poor nations and pushed already-stigmatized groups closer to the margins of society. Notably the right approaches, applied quickly enough with courage and resolve, can and do result in lower national HIV infection rates and less suffering for those infected and affected by the epidemic.
Though infections ‘do not’ occur at the workplace the ripple effect due to the in/direct cost of medication, loss of man hours, death occasioned by Aids and social problems accruing from caring for increasing number of orphans actuated by the existing high poverty levels strains our social structures . The greatest impediments to intervention are the social responses of fear, denial, stigma and discriminations that accompany the epidemic. It affects self esteem, mental health, and impairs access to vital care and support hence impacting negatively on individual and organization’s productivity.
Modes of Transmission
HIV can be passed on through infected blood, semen, vaginal fluids or breast milk. The most common ways HIV is passed on are:
· Sex without a condom with someone living with HIV
· Sharing infected needles, syringes or other injecting drug equipment
· From an HIV-positive mother (to her child) during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding.
To know Your Serostatus
Voluntary counseling and Testing (VCT), a process that involves
making the wise decision to know your status, pre-test counseling,
testing and post-test counseling is the initial step to behavior
change and informed life management 
.
KMD peer educators
prepare to know there HIV status Mr. Amoni and Ms Kaithuru
during a mobile VCT event at KMD A road show during an Aids campaign at
VCT is confidential and is provided free
Antiretroviral Therapy
Antiretroviral treatment is the main type of ‘treatment’ for HIV or AIDS. It is not a cure, but it can stop people from becoming ill for many years. The treatment consists of drugs that have to be taken every day for the rest of someone’s life. Improved access to treatment, counseling and positive living enhances life and reduces morbidity and mortality.
ARV’s are free and are administered with clinical advice. Drug adherence is paramount for HIV & Aids management
Care and Support
Man is a social being and healthy interpersonal relationships means a great deal to the infected and affected members of each community.
At the workplace, the ACU engenders individual and group support for the workforce.
Upholding ethical practice and in confidence the staff are encouraged to access counseling services which will reduce stress and anxiety ,promote positive living and help them make informed decisions on HIV testing and management.
With emphasis on a Home Based Care approach , which is a continuum of care, there has been a marked improvement in the quality of life of the infected and their families faced with life-threatening illnesses. Particular attention is given to the prevention, assessment, and treatment of pain and other symptoms, and to the provision of psychological, emotional and spiritual support. It includes clinical and nursing care, counseling and psycho-spiritual care and social support. Aimed at promoting effective and compassionate care the key players are the KMD’s clients, family/community members and the health workers.
A sensitazation serminar at
A
sensitization serminar at A group Counseling session An
individual session
As a Team-player
Our clarion call to all members of KMD is “Take the LEAD – raise awareness in your community and show support. Do not stigmatize or discriminate. Consciously don't devalue, discount, discredit or discriminate those you perceive to be infected or those who have declared their status, especially so at the workplace.
Protect yourself and your partners - this is the first and best way to stop the spread of HIV.
As an authority mobilize resources at your disposal , learn and share information at all opportune times.”
The Gospel
A abstain
B be faithful to one uninfected partner
C condom use-correctly & consistently
D Adhere to prescribed drugs