Travel to countries with high HIV prevalence
In some countries in Africa, HIV prevalence in the general population exceeds 20% and STI rates are much higher than in the UK. Unprotected sex is therefore associated with a high risk of both HIV and STI infections.
All travellers to these countries need clear advice on sexual risk reduction through limiting sexual partnerships and always using condoms. There is no risk of transmission from casual contact. However, in some countries, HIV screening programmes for blood transfusions are not always in place, and there may be shortages of sterile medical equipment for injections and intravenous infusions. Sterile needle packs, first-aid kits (including needles, syringes and suture packs) and minor surgery kits are available for purchase or mail order from the Hospital for Tropical Diseases (London) Travel Clinic (2nd Floor Mortimer Market Centre, off Capper Street, London WC1E 6AU, tel. 020 7388 9600). Basic needle packs and larger made-to-order first aid and surgical packs can be ordered from Nomad Travellers Store and Medical Centre (3—5 Wellington Terrace, Turnpike Lane, London N8 0PX, tel. 020 8889 7014).
Figure 16.8 Government advice to those who should not give blood. Reproduced with permission from the Department of Health Publications
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