How AIDS can spread:
- Through unprotected sex with multiple partners. Always use a condom, the easiest method to prevent AIDS transmission.
- Through sharing of intravenous needles and 'works.' Stay away from drugs.
- From an infected mother to her child.
- Through infected blood transfusions.
- Exchange of bodily fluids. Oral sex can transmit AIDS.
How AIDS does not spread:
- Through casual contact, touching, kissing, holding hands, hugging, sharing the same bed or toilet, clothes, utensils etc.
You cannot cure AIDS by:
- Having sex with a virgin.
- Drinking yak piss, bull piss, cow piss, or any piss for that matter.
Preventing AIDS:
Follow the ABC approach:
Abstinence or delay of sexual activity, especially for youth,
Being faithful, especially for those in committed relationships,
Condom use, for those who engage in risky behavior.
Or the CNN approach:
Condom use, for those who engage in risky behavior,
Needles, use clean ones,
Negotiating skills; negotiating safer sex with a partner and empowering women to make smart choices.
AIDS is global. The number of people living with HIV is now estimated at 33.2 million.
AIDS is local. There are 70,256 adults and 4,000 children living with HIV in Nepal.
AIDS affects children too. One in six new infections occur in children under 15 years and one in six people dying from AIDS is a child under 15 years.
AIDS is universal. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, caste, religion or region. AIDS affects everyone and anyone. If AIDS does not discriminate, why should we? For it is not who you are but what you do that determines whether you get INFECTED.
