October 3, 2008 Responding to HIV and AIDS

HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome What is HIV and AIDS

HIV lives in the blood and other body fluids that contain blood or white blood cells. What is HIV and AIDS

High HIV Concentration (Evidence of transmission) Body Fluids Low or No HIV Concentration (No evidence of transmission) Blood Semen Vaginal fluids Breast milk Saliva Tears Sweat Urine

The immune system is made up of specialized cells in the bloodstream that fight off invading germs to keep the body healthy. What is HIV and AIDS

The human immunodeficiency virus is best known for targeting the T-cells of the immune system. It can also attack cells of the brain, nervous system, digestive system, lymphatic system, and other parts of the body. Targets

T-Cells The T-cells (also referred to as T4) are the brains of the operation. These white blood cells identify infections and give orders to the T-cells, which battle infections to keep the person healthy.

T-Cells When a person is infected with HIV, HIV attacks and moves into a T-cell It then converts that cell into virus reproducer. Eventually there are so many new virus in the cell that the T-cell explodes, scattering the HIV back into the bloodstream. The new virus move on to fresh T-cells and repeat the process. Over time, the HIV can destroy all of the infected persons T-cells.

T-Cells With fewer healthy T-cells, the immune system becomes powerless. It can no longer recognize and fight off common organisms that would not present a problem to a healthy immune system. Many organisms may lye dormant in the body or may enter from outside. The immune systems weakness gives them the opportunity to wake up, multiply and cause illness.

Viral load CD4 Count Weeks 8-10 Years 2- 3 Years Viral load CD4 Count Anti-bodies Slide 25

Opportunistic Infections These infections are known as opportunist infections. Once a person with an HIV-weakened immune system comes down with one or more of these rare opportunistic infections, or has a T-cell count below 200 or 14%, that person may be diagnosed as having AIDS.

Transmission HIV can be transmitted through: Unprotected sexual intercourse with an HIV- infected person. Sharing drug injection equipment (needles) or being accidentally stuck by needles or sharp objects contaminated with infected blood.

Transmission Infected blood used in transfusions and infected blood products used in treatment. Transmitted through pregnancy, childbirth and/or breastfeeding and also through transplanted organs from an infected donor.

Targeted Groups In the world of HIV, there are groups of individuals that are being hit the hardest. African Americans make up about thirteen percent of the total population of the United States, however they make up more than forty percent of the individuals diagnosed with HIV/AIDS since the epidemic began. African American women represent the fastest growing group of individuals infected with HIV in the United States.

HIV and AIDS racial divide African Americans have been disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS since the epidemics beginning, and that disparity has deepened over time. African Americans - 13% of the U.S. population, 40% of the 944,306 AIDS cases since the start of the epidemic 1/2 of the cases diagnosed in 2006 The AIDS case rate per 100,000 population among African American adults/adolescents was more than 9 times that of whites in 2006

HIV in the World 33 million people living with HIV worldwide Africa Other countries India China Latin Countries North America

A global view of HIV infection 33 million people [30–36 million] living with HIV, 2007

HIV in the World 2.7 million new infections in million deaths in ,990,000 people receiving treatment

July 2008 e Estimated number of adults and children newly infected with HIV, 2007 Western & Central Europe [ – ] Middle East & North Africa [ – ] Sub-Saharan Africa 1.9 million [1.6 – 2.1 million] Eastern Europe & Central Asia [ – ] South & South-East Asia [ – ] Oceania [ – ] North America [9600 – ] Latin America [ – ] East Asia [ – ] Caribbean [ – ] Total: 2.7 million (2.2 – 3.2 million)

HIV in the United States African Americans accounted for 56% of deaths due to HIV in 2004 survival time after an AIDS diagnosis is lower on average than it is for other racial/ethnic groups HIV was the 3rd leading cause of death for African Americans, ages 25–34, in 2002 compared to the 6th leading cause of death for whites and Latinos HIV was the #1 cause of death for African American women ages 25–34 in 2004

HIV in the United States Unstable housing Lack of affordable housing Health of children Access to preventive care Challenges across the health spectrum Incarceration In-prison risk behavior Sex Drug use Level of HIV education and treatment Re-integration upon release

HIV in the United States Black Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) Testing Awareness of status Late entry to treatment Stigma Heterosexism (homophobia)

Vision Questions What would Jesus Do? What should we do now?

UCC HIV & AIDS Ministries Develop of educational and worship resources Assist congregations with their response to HIV/AIDS Work with area offices of Global Ministries, mission personnel and partners Advocate access to quality education and prevention, treatment and care Public Policy Advocacy: UNGASS, National Policy Partnership (NMAC) UCAN (United Church HIV/AIDS Network)

UCAN (UCC HIV & AIDS Network) Awareness Prevention Capacity Building Care

1) Stay Informed: Subscribe to UCAN Stop AIDS eNews Connect on the Join the UCAN cause on Facebook 2) Help Others Stay Informed: Get the facts and share them with friends and family to help break the stigma surrounding HIV & AIDS Utilize the World AIDS Day folder throughout the year 3) Get Involved: UCAN, the UCC HIV & AIDS NetworkUCANUCC HIV & AIDS Network at or by phone, Make a financial gift Contact your local or regional HIV & AIDS service organization Work for Policy Change. Find out how to make sure that HIV people get the resources they need, and that money is provided for HIV & AIDS research. Be An Advocate: Get involved in the fight to end the disease What can you do?

4) Work to prevent HIV infections Know your HIV status by getting tested Protect Yourself: Always were a condom if you're sexually active. Limit the number of sexual partners. If you're not ready to take responsiblity for your own health, abstain from sex. Find out more about the role that other STDs play in heightening your risk of HIV infection Support Others: Find out how to be supportive to friends, family and others who test HIV postive by arming yourself with the facts. Talk About It: Don't let the disease continue to fester under a cloak of silence. Continue to talk about HIV AIDS with your crew. Take Responsibility: Don't abdicate your responsibility for your own sexual health. Take charge! Do all you can to protect yourself from HIV/AIDS.

What can you do? 5) Help your church access and build their capacity for response Assess your churchs HIV & AIDS competencies Work with others to create a plan of action 6) Care for those living with and affected by HIV Accompaniment: spiritual and emotional support Volunteer for homebased care and support

Thank You! Questions?