“Global success in combating HIV/AIDS must be measured by its impact on our children and young people.
Are they getting the information they need about HIV? Are girls being empowered to take charge of their sexuality? Are infants safe from disease, and are children orphaned by AIDS raised in loving supportive environment? We
cannot let another generation be devastated by AIDS.”— Carol Bellamy, Former Executive Director, UNICEF.
As the World AIDS Day is observed today and people get exposed to different forms of awareness concerning the deadly disease; how it can be transmitted, how it can be prevented, or managed in those who are already infected, there are still concerns about sexual behaviours among young people, and the need to stop all forms of discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS.
Are they getting the information they need about HIV? Are girls being empowered to take charge of their sexuality? Are infants safe from disease, and are children orphaned by AIDS raised in loving supportive environment? We
cannot let another generation be devastated by AIDS.”— Carol Bellamy, Former Executive Director, UNICEF.
As the World AIDS Day is observed today and people get exposed to different forms of awareness concerning the deadly disease; how it can be transmitted, how it can be prevented, or managed in those who are already infected, there are still concerns about sexual behaviours among young people, and the need to stop all forms of discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS.
Facts from UNICEF/NYSC Reproductive Health and HIV Prevention Project Manual reveal that ‘HIV infection among the sexually active population grew from 1.8 per cent in 1991 to 5.8 per cent in 2002., while the National Agency for Control of AIDS (NACA) says the latest prevalence is now 4.1.
The fear is that without correct knowledge of reproductive health among adolescents and young people between 15-29 years, the group will remain at the highest risk of HIV infection.
In this vein, it is advised that HIV/AIDS campaign programme organisers should ensure that the youths are engaged in interactive sessions for awareness and educational events.
Important points to note:
AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is a deadly disease that is caused by a very harmful virus known as HIV. When the virus enters the body it destroys the body immune system, making it impossible for the body to fight infection.
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) also referred to as the AIDS virus, affects human beings and causes a lowering of the body’s immune system.
Know your HIV status by going for HIV Voluntary Confidential Counselling Testing
HIV/AIDS has no cure
Mode of Transmission
Having unprotected sex
Sharing of sharp objects e.g razor blade, barbing clippers, piercing needles, scarification knives
Transfusion of infected blood or blood products
From infected mother to her baby during pregnancy and delivery
Prevention of HIV/AIDS
Abstinence
Being faithful to one sexual partner
Desist from sharing needles and sharp instruments
If sexually active, use condoms correctly and consistently
How to help PLWHA, PABA
A person living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) is somebody who has been tested positive with HIV virus.
A person affected by AIDS(PABA) is one who has a relation living with the virus.
Vulnerable
children are those who have either been orphaned or lost a parent to AIDS. In most cases they are children who need care because they are neglected and uncared for by the society.
children are those who have either been orphaned or lost a parent to AIDS. In most cases they are children who need care because they are neglected and uncared for by the society.
Care and Support for PLWHA
Physical
Needs: Helping them maintain bodily hygiene; provide balanced diet and keep their clothes and bedding clean
Needs: Helping them maintain bodily hygiene; provide balanced diet and keep their clothes and bedding clean
Social Needs: They deserve to be shown love; they should not be discriminated against
Community
Support: They should have a home to live in like other people, advocacy for free drugs for them to treat opportunistic infections
Support: They should have a home to live in like other people, advocacy for free drugs for them to treat opportunistic infections
Care and Support for Orphans
They need education, love and affection
Provision of food and housing
Health care
Helping the youths avoid risky sexual behaviours
Young people need support through planned programmes to understand the effect of risky sexual behaviours and how they can avoid them. They should also be taught the importance of respect for one another in a friendship, and taking responsibility for every of their actions.
Spread the news not the virus!
Thanks for spreading the word. It's good we read this from time to time as a reminder.
Sure, we all need to. Have a lovely evening.
Excellent blog! Do you have any recommendations for aspiring writers?
I'm hoping to start my own website soon but I'm a little
lost on everything. Would you recommend starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option?
There are so many options out there that I'm completely confused ..
Any suggestions? Cheers!
Here is my page; tips to sexually attract women