Training of Roma Health Mediators in Reproductive Health

Trainer document
HIV/AIDS: WHAT IS TRUE? WHAT IS FALSE?
Sample Discussion Points
HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. (TRUE)
HIV (human immune deficiency virus) causes people to become sick with infections that
would normally not affect them. AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) is the
last phase of the HIV infection, when an infected person becomes very sick.
Condoms are not very effective in preventing HIV. (FALSE)
Next to abstinence, condoms are the most effective way to prevent the transmission of
HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. To be effective in preventing HIV
transmission, condoms should be used correctly every time the couple has sex. This
includes oral, anal, and vaginal sex. Condoms also prevent pregnancy.
Abstaining from every kind of sex (oral, anal, and vaginal) can protect you against
HIV/AIDS. (TRUE)
Abstaining from any kind of sex can protect you from HIV/AIDS. Abstinence also
protects against pregnancy.
A pregnant woman can pass the HIV virus to her unborn child. (TRUE)
Fifteen to thirty percent of babies born to women with HIV are also infected. A baby can
be infected during pregnancy, delivery, and through breastfeeding. The use of certain
drugs during pregnancy can reduce the risk of infection to babies.
You can get HIV by shaking hands with an infected person. (FALSE)
A person does not get HIV by shaking hands. The infection is spread through the
exchange of body fluids (blood, semen, or vaginal fluids). Having oral, anal, or vaginal
sex with an infected person spreads HIV. Using a hypodermic needle or other needle that
was used by an infected person also spreads it. You can also get HIV by having sex with
someone who shares needles. If a pregnant woman has HIV, she can infect her baby
during pregnancy, delivery, and through breastfeeding.
You can get HIV by sharing toilet facilities with someone who is infected. (FALSE)
You cannot get HIV in this way. (See previous answer.)
Only homosexual couples need to worry about getting HIV/AIDS. (FALSE)
Anyone who has sex with an infected person, or shares needles with an infected person,
can get HIV. It does not matter whether the individuals are homosexual or heterosexual.
You can get HIV by having unprotected sex with a person who is infected. (TRUE)
Body fluids are exchanged during sex. Semen, vaginal fluid, and sometimes blood are
mixed and the infection can spread. Using a male or female condom keeps the body
fluids of one person from mixing with the body fluids of another person.
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RFHI/JSI Romania Training of RHMs in Reproductive Health Session 10: STIs