ABSTRACT
Blood-borne infection is any infection which is transmitted from the bloodstream of one individual to the bloodstream of another. Blood-borne infection is transmitted by infected blood or bloodstained body fluids coming into contact with an open lesion on the skin and by injury with a sharp object contaminated with infected blood. HIV is the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). AIDS is among the leading causes of death globally and remains the primary cause of death in Africa. Tuberculosis is one of the top 10 causes of death globally and is a leading killer of HIV-positive people. Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. It can be caused by a number of factors including alcohol, drugs, immune disorders and infection. The main cause of hepatitis is through blood-borne viruses. The World Health Organization has developed a public health approach that is concerned with preventing disease, promoting health, and prolonging life among the population as a whole. Public health policies such as HIV prevention and harm reduction programmes are aimed at reducing the transmission of HIV. HIV prevention and harm reduction programmes are now implemented taking take into account underlying socio-cultural, economic, political, legal and other contextual factors.
