In adults the two biggest causes of death are TB and lung infections. In children the three biggest causes are TB, lung infections and diarrhea.

Adults: All adults should be tested regularly for HIV. If we know that a person is HIV positive we can check how strong the immune system is with a physical check up and CD4 count every 6 – 12 months. If a person is showing signs that the immune system is weak such as a CD4 count less than 200 or signs of TB with a CD4 less than 350 we can start that person on antiretroviral drugs(often called ARVs) to control the HIV and build the immune system up again so that they can be strong.  

This way we can prevent many cases of TB and lung infections and keep people strong and healthy and able to work and look after their families.

Children: Testing of all pregnant women for HIV at their first clinic visist and early testing at 6 weeks of age (when babes have their first immunizations) for all babies whose mothers are HIV positive. If we can test all pregnant women for HIV and get all positive women onto treatment (either limited ARVs to protect the baby or full ARVs to protect the mother and the baby) we can protect nearly all babies from getting HIV in the first place! If we can test all these babies whose mothers are HIV positive early in life when they are still well we will diagnose any babies who did get HIV from their mother and we can start them on ARVs straight away! That way they don’t ever get sick because we protect their immune system with ARVs from the beginning.

The National Department of Health started a massive HCT campaign last year to get 15 million South Africans tested for HIV so that we can prevent these sorts of deaths.

So…….Get yourself tested!!!

Information provided by: Dr Kerry Uebel