Knowing the fact about HIV- Francis

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Ba Nurse, people are talking about a new HIV injection called lenacapavir. What is it?

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Lenacapavir is a new HIV prevention medicine. We call it PrEP.
It’s a shot. After the first 2 shots, you only come back *2 times a year* - every 6 months.
It’s for people who do not have HIV but want to stay protected.

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So I don’t need to take a pill every day? I just come to the clinic twice a year?

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Yes! That’s the good part.
For people who forget daily pills, this is another choice.
WHO also says it’s a good option to help prevent HIV.

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Awe! Is it like a vaccine?

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No. It’s not a vaccine.
It’s medicine that stays in your body and stops HIV if you’re exposed.

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Does it work 100%? People are saying so.

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It works very well. In big studies, almost no one got HIV while using it.
But I can’t say 100% for everyone.
It only works well if you *come for every shot on time* and *test for HIV first*.

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Can I just get the shot without testing?

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No. You must test for HIV first. Every time.
If you already have HIV and don’t know, this shot alone won’t treat it.

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Will it protect me from other sicknesses like gonorrhoea or syphilis?

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No. This shot is only for HIV.
It does NOT stop other STIs.
That’s why condoms and STI testing are still important.

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Are there side effects? Is it safe?

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Like all medicine, yes.
Most people get mild pain or a small lump where the shot was given. It goes away.
So far, no big long-term problems have been found. Nurses will keep watching.

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So after the shot I’m safe for 6 months and I can forget it?

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No. You must remember your next appointment
If you miss it, your protection drops

Know your HIV status

Adolescents & young people aged 15–24 accounted for 6,000 new infections, representing 37% of all new adult infections, 79% of these occurring among .

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MYTH vs FACT

: You can get HIV from sharing food or hugging.
: HIV is NOT spread by hugging, shaking hands, sharing food, mosquito bites or toilet seats.
HIV is mainly spread through unprotected s*x, sharing needles, and from mother to child during birth/breastfeeding without treatment/good adherence to the mother

The Reason for Using the Heel Or big toe in DBS Sample Collection for HIV Exposed Infants

It is common for mothers to question why healthcare workers collect blood for the Dried Blood Spot test from the baby’s heel or big toe rather than the finger. Although it is distressing to see an infant in discomfort, this site is selected based on safety and effectiveness.

An infant’s fingers are very small, with bones located close to the skin surface. A finger prick carries a higher risk of causing injury to the bone and surrounding tissues. In contrast, the heel and the hallux have a greater amount of subcutaneous tissue. This provides a safer area for collection and reduces the risk of long-term damage.

In addition, the heel has a dense network of capillaries, which allows for good blood flow. Warming the heel before the procedure helps produce large blood drops that can adequately fill the circles on the filter paper. An insufficient sample will not be accepted by the laboratory, requiring a repeat collection and an additional prick for the baby.
Therefore, the heel is preferred because it is both safer for the infant and ensures a quality sample for accurate testing.

Key points
1. Why not finge*: too small, bone close to surface, risk of injury
2. Why heel/toe: more "padding"/fleshy tissue, safer
3. Why heel specifically: good blood flow/capillaries, warming helps get big drops, avoids repeat test

Ministry of Health Zambia
CDC HIV
CDC
Natasha Chibwe
HIV Nurse Practitioners in Zambia
The U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR)