HIV/AIDS

Supporting Information

Young people need to understand the risks of HIV/AIDS. Parents, teachers, health workers, guardians or the person in the community in charge of rites of passage can warn young people about the risk of HIV/AIDS, other STIs and unplanned pregnancy.

It can be awkward to discuss sexual issues with young people. One way to begin the discussion with school-aged children is to ask them what they have heard about HIV/AIDS. If any of their information is wrong, take the opportunity to provide them with the correct information. Talking with and listening to young people is very important. If the parent is uncomfortable with the discussion, he or she can ask a teacher, a relative or someone who is good at discussing sensitive issues for advice on how to talk to the child about this.

Young people need to be informed that there is no vaccination and no cure for HIV/AIDS. They need to understand that prevention is the only protection against the disease. Young people also need to be empowered to refuse sex.

Children need to know that they do not run the risk of getting HIV from ordinary social contact with children or adults who are HIV infected.

Those living with HIV/AIDS need care and support. Young people can help by showing them compassion.