Training of Roma Health Mediators in Reproductive Health

cells (which fight against infections) and destroying them. The HIV infected person
may look normal for 2-10 years while the immune system is breaking down slowly.
• Once the immune system is destroyed the person is likely to get a variety of diseases,
as her/his body cannot fight against any infections. This condition is called AIDS.
With AIDS, symptoms of many diseases appear and that is why it is called a
syndrome (group of symptoms). AIDS has no treatment and is always fatal, but it can
be prevented.
Explain the difference between HIV, HIV infection and AIDS.
• HIV is the virus that causes the disease by destroying the ability of the human body
to fight against any infections.
• HIV infection is the condition when the virus is present in the body. The HIV
infected person has no symptoms and s/he may look healthy for 2-10 years but s/he
can spread HIV to other people.
• AIDS is the late stage of the HIV infection when symptoms appear. It leads to death.
HIV is present in the blood and other body fluids of the infected person.
Prepare a list of myths and misconceptions about HIV/AIDS that are common in the
community. The trainer document Myths and Truths about HIV/AIDS may be used for
this; however, it is best to use myths that are common in the Roma communities.
Make enough slips of paper so that each participant has at least one statement.
Make a sign that says “Myth” and a sign that says “Truth”. Post the signs on opposite
ends of the room. You will also need many little pieces of masking tape for this activity.
Explain to participants that they will be involved in an activity which is intended to dispel
myths, and provide accurate information about HIV/AIDS.
• Pass out a slip of paper to each participant. Tell participants the statement on the
paper is either true or false. If the statement is true, ask participants to tape the
statement to the wall under the sign that says “Truth”. If their statement is false, ask
them to tape the statement to the wall under the sign that says “Myth”.
• Once all the statements are taped to the wall, review each of the statements with the
entire group. Together, confirm whether each statement is a truth or a myth. (If there
are any errors, move the statement and tape it under the correct sign.) Provide
additional information and answer questions, using the trainer document HIV/AIDS:
What is True? What is False? (Sample Discussion Points) as a basis.
Distribute the participant document “How Is HIV/AIDS Spread?” and discuss it, if
appropriate.
Ask participants:
‣ What messages would you pass on in the community regarding protection against
HIV/AIDS?
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RFHI/JSI Romania Training of RHMs in Reproductive Health Session 10: STIs