Learners Run HIV Campaign Across Two Continents
International Baccalaureate learners from Academy 6 are running a campaign to break down the stigma around HIV and encourage young people to get tested for the virus. Their aim is to raise awareness of HIV among young people, by encouraging discussion about the virus and how infection can be prevented.
The scholarship students, from Pestalozzi International Village, have given presentations in their home countries of Zambia and Zimbabwe and in British schools throughout 2009. They have also told their story on ITV Meridian News.
In Sub-Saharan Africa, the stigma attached to HIV is partly responsible for its spread: "In Zambia, people don't talk about having HIV", says Lwanga Bwalya: "they’re scared they might lose their job or be disowned by their family."
In Britain, only one in every thousand people is HIV positive, compared with one in seven in Sub-Saharan Africa. However, the students are finding that young people in Britain have a complacent attitude towards the virus and there are high levels of ignorance about HIV across both regions. 'Although HIV is very treatable in the UK, there is still embarrassment around seeking testing, support and advice’, says Emman Kabaghe. "Even though the UK has good medical facilities, people aren’t using them. They’re not getting tested."Claudius Sibanda says "A world without HIV is possible to achieve, if people take responsibility for their actions. Getting tested is easy and free."
The group plan to take their presentation to more schools and organisations across Hastings.
If you would like to speak to somebody over the phone about anything related to HIV/AIDS you can call The National AIDS Helpline on 0800 567 123. The helpline provides a confidential, anonymous 24-hour free telephone counselling, information and referral service for those infected and affected by HIV and AIDS.
