Test Your Knowledge About HIV

The acronym HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. This virus attacks the immune system, specifically targeting CD4 cells, which are crucial for fighting off infections and diseases. HIV weakens the immune system over time, making individuals more susceptible to opportunistic infections and eventually leading to the development of AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).

The acronym AIDS stands for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. This term is used to describe the advanced stage of HIV infection, where the immune system is severely damaged. HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is the virus that causes AIDS. The virus attacks and weakens the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections and diseases. Therefore, the correct answer is Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome.

HIV can make a person ill because it attacks the immune system. The human immunodeficiency virus specifically targets and weakens the immune system by attacking and destroying CD4 cells, which are crucial for fighting off infections and diseases. As a result, the body becomes more susceptible to various infections and illnesses, leading to a decline in overall health. This weakened immune system is what ultimately causes the symptoms and complications associated with HIV.

Condoms are considered the most effective means of preventing the transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) during sexual activity. This is because condoms act as a barrier, preventing direct contact between bodily fluids and reducing the risk of transmission. When used correctly and consistently, condoms have been shown to significantly reduce the chances of contracting HIV and other STIs. Therefore, the statement "True" is the correct answer.

The correct answer is "HIV is the virus that causes AIDS." This is because HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is the virus that attacks the immune system, specifically targeting CD4 cells. If left untreated, HIV can lead to the development of AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), which is the advanced stage of the infection. AIDS is characterized by a severely weakened immune system, making individuals more susceptible to opportunistic infections and certain types of cancers. Therefore, HIV is the underlying cause of AIDS.

HIV cannot be easily spread through the bite of a mosquito or other insects. HIV is primarily transmitted through specific bodily fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. Mosquitoes do not inject these fluids into their next victim, therefore they cannot transmit HIV. HIV transmission occurs through activities such as unprotected sexual intercourse, sharing needles, or from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth or breastfeeding.

It is not possible to visually determine if someone is living with HIV or has AIDS. HIV and AIDS are medical conditions that cannot be diagnosed based on appearance alone. Testing and medical examinations are required to accurately diagnose these conditions. Therefore, the statement that a person can visually determine if someone has HIV or AIDS is false.

The UN is required to provide staff members with disposable syringes and needles for emergency use when they are traveling to areas without reliable medical services. This is important because in such areas, there may be a lack of access to proper medical facilities and equipment. Having disposable syringes and needles can help ensure that staff members are prepared to handle emergency situations and provide necessary medical care when needed.

The statement is true because UN managers have a responsibility to ensure that staff members who are living with or affected by HIV are not subjected to discrimination in the UN workplace. This is important to promote inclusivity, equal treatment, and respect for the rights of all employees, regardless of their health status. Discrimination based on HIV status is not only unethical but also goes against the principles of the UN, which seeks to uphold human rights and promote a diverse and inclusive work environment.

A person with AIDS always has HIV because AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is caused by the HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection. HIV attacks the immune system and weakens it over time, leading to the development of AIDS. Therefore, it is true that a person with AIDS always has HIV.

The statement is true because UN Cares is indeed a program that applies to UN system organizations. UN Cares is a global initiative that aims to promote the well-being of UN staff and their families by providing support in various areas such as health, work-life balance, and professional development. This program is implemented across different UN agencies, funds, and programs, ensuring that all staff members have access to the resources and support they need to thrive in their work and personal lives.

This statement is false. People living with HIV are eligible for employment with the UN. The UN has policies in place to protect the rights of individuals living with HIV and to prevent discrimination in the workplace. These policies are in line with international human rights standards and aim to promote inclusivity and equal opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their HIV status.

It is possible for a person to be infected with HIV for 10 or more years without developing AIDS. HIV is the virus that causes AIDS, but not everyone who is infected with HIV will progress to AIDS. With proper medical care and treatment, many people can live with HIV for a long time without developing AIDS. This is why it is important for individuals to get tested, seek treatment, and practice safe behaviors to prevent the spread of HIV.

Kissing is generally considered a safe activity and is not a common mode of HIV transmission. HIV cannot be transmitted through saliva, and the virus is not present in high enough concentrations in saliva to be infectious. However, there is a small risk of transmission if both partners have open sores or bleeding gums, as this can allow the virus to enter the bloodstream. Overall, the risk of HIV transmission through kissing is extremely low.

The statement is false because being HIV-positive does not automatically prevent a staff member from entering into a new contract once their current contract expires. HIV status should not be a determining factor in employment decisions, as it is discriminatory and goes against principles of equal opportunity and human rights. Employment decisions should be based on qualifications, skills, and performance rather than medical conditions.

Antiretroviral therapy (ARV) is not a cure for HIV. It is a treatment that helps manage the virus and slow down its progression in the body. While ARV can significantly improve the health and quality of life for people living with HIV, it cannot completely eliminate the virus from the body. HIV remains a chronic condition, and individuals still need to take ARV medication consistently to control the virus and prevent its transmission to others.

Many people with sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, do not have symptoms. This is because some infections can be present in the body without causing any noticeable signs or symptoms. This is particularly true for HIV, as it can take years for symptoms to appear. Therefore, it is possible for individuals to be infected with sexually transmitted infections without knowing it, which is why regular testing and practicing safe sex are important preventive measures.

Local UN offices are responsible for ensuring that all staff members and their families have access to voluntary counseling and testing for HIV. This responsibility falls under the duty of the UN to provide a safe and healthy working environment for its employees. By offering access to counseling and testing, the UN promotes the well-being and health of its staff members and their families, and contributes to the global efforts in combating HIV/AIDS.

HIV can be transmitted through various ways including mother to child transmission through blood and breast milk, unprotected sexual intercourse through sperm and vaginal fluids, and contaminated injecting equipment through blood. Therefore, all of the above options are correct ways in which HIV can be transmitted.

The statement is false because it is indeed a requirement of the UN system for UN staff members and their families to be provided with information on HIV/AIDS, including participation in learning events and receiving written materials. This requirement is in place to ensure that UN staff members and their families are educated about HIV/AIDS and can take necessary precautions to protect themselves and others.

The statement is false because Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) is not only available to UN employees with permanent or fixed-term contracts. PEP is a preventive treatment given to individuals who have been exposed to a potential risk of infection, such as through a needlestick injury or sexual assault. It is available to anyone who meets the criteria for PEP, regardless of their employment status or affiliation with the UN.

The statement contradicts the basic principles of privacy and confidentiality. UN system personnel who have access to personal information about others, especially sensitive information like health conditions, are generally obligated to keep this information confidential. This is to ensure the protection and privacy of individuals' personal data and to maintain trust in the system. Therefore, the correct answer is False.

This statement is false because even if a child is not infected with HIV at birth, there is still a risk of transmission from the mother. HIV can be transmitted through breastfeeding or other means of contact with the mother's bodily fluids. Therefore, it is important for the child to take precautions and follow medical advice to prevent HIV transmission.

Unprotected heterosexual sex is the main mode of transmission of HIV worldwide because it is the most common way in which the virus is spread. HIV can be transmitted through sexual intercourse with an infected partner who has not used a condom or is not on antiretroviral therapy. This mode of transmission accounts for the majority of new HIV infections globally. Men who have sex with men and injecting drug use are also significant modes of transmission, but they are not as prevalent as unprotected heterosexual sex.

The statement is true because it states that every two minutes a child under 15 dies of AIDS-related illness. This implies that there is a high mortality rate among children under 15 due to AIDS-related illnesses, highlighting the severity of the issue.

Approximately 33,000,000 people in the world are living with HIV. This number represents the estimated global prevalence of HIV infections. HIV is a global health issue that affects millions of people worldwide, and this answer reflects the magnitude of the problem.

In 1988, the first World AIDS Day was celebrated. This global event aims to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS, commemorate those who have died from the disease, and support those living with HIV. The year 1988 holds significance as it marked a turning point in the global response to the AIDS epidemic, with increased efforts to educate the public, combat stigma, and promote prevention and treatment strategies.

According to the given answer, 40% of people living with HIV globally do not know their HIV status. This means that a significant portion of individuals who are infected with HIV are unaware of their condition. Lack of awareness can lead to delayed treatment and increased risk of transmission to others. It highlights the importance of widespread HIV testing and education to ensure that people are aware of their status and can access appropriate care and support.

The correct answer is "More than 10,000." This suggests that the estimated number of people currently living with HIV in Tajikistan exceeds 10,000. However, without further information, we cannot determine the exact number or the extent of the HIV epidemic in the country.

After taking a rapid HIV antibody test, the patient must wait for 30 minutes to get the result. This waiting time allows the test to accurately detect the presence of HIV antibodies in the patient's blood. Waiting for 30 minutes ensures that the test has enough time to develop and provide an accurate result.

A standard HIV test identifies antibodies. When a person is infected with HIV, their immune system produces specific antibodies to fight against the virus. The test detects the presence of these antibodies in the blood or saliva. This helps in determining whether the person has been exposed to HIV and has developed an immune response. It is important to detect these antibodies as it indicates the presence of the virus in the body, even if the person may not show any symptoms.

There are currently 1,500,000 people living with HIV in Eastern Europe and the CIS region. This number represents the total number of individuals who have been diagnosed with HIV and are currently living with the virus in this specific geographic area. It is important to note that this number may change over time as new cases are diagnosed and individuals receive treatment.

The probability of MSM (men who have sex with men) getting infected is 10 times higher compared to the general population. This suggests that MSM are at a significantly increased risk of contracting the infection compared to individuals who do not engage in same-sex sexual activities. This could be due to various factors such as a higher prevalence of the infection within the MSM community, increased exposure to risky sexual behaviors, or limited access to healthcare and prevention resources.

In 2008, only 23% of people needing ARV treatment received it in countries of Eastern Europe and the CIS. This indicates that a large majority of people in these regions were not able to access the necessary treatment for their condition. This low percentage suggests a significant gap in healthcare infrastructure and access to medication in these countries during that time period.

All of the mentioned sports stars died of AIDS. Arthur Ashe, a 3-time tennis Grand Slam champ, contracted HIV through a blood transfusion during heart surgery and later developed AIDS. George Best, a Manchester United football legend, also died of AIDS-related complications. Florence Griffith-Joyner, also known as 'Flo-Jo', was an Olympic sprint champion, but she did not die of AIDS. Therefore, the correct answer is Arthur Ashe.

The statement is false because the UN medical service does not require HIV testing before recruiting personnel or during periodic medical exams.

The correct answer is "All of the above" because Botswana, Swaziland, and South Africa are all countries where the HIV prevalence is above 15 percent. This means that in each of these countries, more than 15 percent of the population is living with HIV.