Lazare Manirankunda, Institute for Tropical Medicine (Belgium ... - BTC

7.1. Perceptions of HIV/AIDS in SAM• HIV/AIDS is a “killer disease”, “slim disease”‐ Can not touch someone /Can not be touched/Outcast‐ You don’t see PLHA in Belgium• HIV associated with immoral behavior, promiscuity“womanizers, runners, prostitutes “• HIV transmitted through contact with PLHA• Volunteering for HIV prevention‐ You are probably HIV infected‐ Some people feel that you accuse them of running risk or being HIVinfectedAttitude and act of community toward PLHA: isolation,rejection Challenge to get volunteers for prevention