HIV/AIDS



To begin, we ask that you do not discriminate against children with HIV/AIDS. 



HIV(human immunodeficiency virus) is the virus that causes AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). It is preventable and treatable, but incurable. People can become infected with HIV through:



• unprotected sexual contact with an HIV-infected person (sex without the use of a male or female condom);

• transmission from an infected mother to her child during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding; and

• blood from HIV-contaminated syringes, needles or other sharp instruments and transfusion with HIV-contaminated blood. It is not transmitted by casual contact or other means.

Anyone who wants to know how to prevent HIV or thinks he or she has HIV should contact a health-care provider to obtain information on HIV prevention and/or advice on where to receive HIV testing, counselling, care and support. 



Here are some important facts to know:

• All pregnant women should talk to their health-care providers about HIV. All pregnant women who think they, their partners or family members are infected with HIV, have been exposed to HIV or live in a setting with a generalized HIV epidemic should get an HIV test and counselling to learn how to protect or care for themselves and their children, partners and family members.

• All children born to HIV-positive mothers or to parents with symptoms, signs or conditions associated with HIV infection should be tested for HIV. If found to be HIV-positive, they should be referred for follow-up care and treatment and given loving care and support.

• Parents or other caregivers should talk with their daughters and sons about relationships, sex and their vulnerability to HIV infection. Girls and young women are especially vulnerable to HIV infection.

• Girls and boys need to learn how to avoid, reject or defend themselves against sexual harassment, violence and peer pressure. They need to understand the importance of equality and respect in relationships.

• Parents, teachers, peer leaders and other role models should provide adolescents with a safe environment and a range of life skills that can help them make healthy choices and practise healthy behaviour.

• Children and adolescents should actively participate in making and implementing decisions on HIV prevention, care and support that affect them, their families and their communities.

• Families affected by HIV may need income support and social welfare services to help them take care of sick family members and children. Families should be guided and assisted in accessing these services.

• No child or adult living with or affected by HIV should ever be stigmatized or discriminated against.

• Parents, teachers and leaders have a key role to play in HIV education and prevention and in reducing fear, stigma and discrimination.

• All people living with HIV should know their rights.