HIV prevention among adolescents: educational meetings dedicated to World AIDS Day were held in Bavly
Adolescence is a period of growing up, self-discovery and, often, a time of increased risk. Such dialogues are extremely important for the formation of responsible behavior among the younger generation, which is the most effective protection against HIV infection.
At the meeting, we discussed in detail how HIV is actually transmitted and not transmitted. They emphasized that the virus is not transmitted through handshakes, hugs, shared dishes or in the pool. The main attention was paid to three ways of transmission: sexually, through blood (when injecting drugs, using non-sterile instruments) and from mother to child. They stressed that awareness is the first step towards security.
It was discussed that the only reliable means of protection against sexual transmission of HIV is the proper use of a condom. In the context of blood-based prevention, the importance of absolute abstinence from any type of drugs and the use of only sterile instruments for tattoos and piercings.
Experts motivated young people to perceive taking care of their health not as a limitation, but as a sign of maturity and modern man. This includes regular HIV testing, especially when entering into a new relationship.
An important part of the conversation was the formation of a correct, non-biased attitude among adolescents towards people living with HIV. They explained to the children that today with this diagnosis it is possible to live a full life - to work, study, create a family, thanks to modern antiretroviral therapy.