Attachments
There are many reasons humanitarian aid workers may become exposed to HIV and other diseases spread through bodily fluids, and sexual violence is just one of those reasons. When this does occur though, it is important to know what options might be available to survivors, as well as what humanitarian organisations can do to appropriately respond.
Post-sexual violence kits When an incident of sexual violence has occurred, it is recommended that medical care be sought. This can include the administration of a post-sexual violence kit2. The items included in such kits may vary, though typically include:
● Guidance on how to use the kit;
● Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) to cover the 28 days recommended course of antiretroviral treatment, which may be available in two different doses: Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate 300 mg and Lamivudine 300 mg (taken once daily), or Lopinavir 200 mg and Ritonavir 50 mg (taken twice daily). PEP treatment can usually be taken at the same time as the other medications, though this can exacerbate the side-effects;
● Medication to help reduce common side effects of the PEP, such as Domperidone tablets, an anti-nauseate, and Loperamide tablets, an anti-diuretic;
● Drugs for sexually transmitted infections (STIs);
● Pregnancy test kit to assess if there was a pregnancy before the incident of sexual violence; and
● Emergency contraception.