Question

Discuss in detail HIV harm reduction in university students.

Answer 1

Many students on today's college campuses were not born when HIV was first discovered. Yet a large percentage of college age students are at risk in contacting the virus. Young people are also at risk for HIV infection. Approximately 9,800 people aged 13-24 were diagnosed with HIV in 2010, representing 20 percent of newly diagnosed cases, with the highest rate occuring among those aged 20-24.

HIV is spread through semen, vaginal fluids, blood and breast milk. Protect yourself by using condoms every time you have sex and don't share needles with anyone. You can also ask your doctor about a daily pill that helps prevent HIV. People who get tested for HIV and learn that they are infected can make significant behaviour changes to improve their health and reduce the risk of transmitting HIV to their sex or drug using partner.

Anyone can get HIV, but you can take steps to protect yourself from HIV infection

1) Get tested and know your partner's HIV status

2) Choose less risky sexual behaviours

3) Use condoms

4) Limit your number of sexual parteners

5) Get tested and treated for STDs

Harm reduction is the set of policies, programmes, services and actions that aim to reduce the harm to individuals, communities and society related to drugs, including HIV infection. Harm reduction is key in the prevention of HIV infection among people who inject drugs and their sexual partners.