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Encourages communities and churches to respond to HIV and AIDS by challenging unhelpful attitudes and practices, providing information regarding infection, HIV tests, medicinal drugs and supporting adults, children and carers affected by HIV and AIDS.
To download a pdf version of the book, click here (930K). To view the pages of the book in html format, follow the links below.
Objectives
To help readers understand how HIV is passed on and how the virus affects health
To increase awareness among church and community leaders of their capacity to encourage a positive community response to HIV and AIDS in their local area... More >> |
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AIDS. Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.
Ante-natal. the time between pregnancy and birth when a woman needs good care to protect her health and the baby’s health. Anti-retrovirals. special drugs that slow the reproduction and spread of HIV.... More >> |
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The terms HIV and AIDS make us stop and think. Some people’s immediate response is to deny that AIDS is present to avoid fear, blame or negative attitudes. Individuals may deny that they could be infected, both to themselves and others. Community and... More >> |
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It is easy to try and ignore HIV and AIDS. However, AIDS affects us all. Ordinary people, including young children, living ordinary lives may become sick and die. Children may lose their parents; older people may lose their children. Our communities ... Continuar >> |
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Most infections such as measles, flu or colds spread very quickly. One person catches the infection and passes it to others within a few days. Then, unless they are very weak, they recover quickly.
However, AIDS is very different. It is caused by... More >> |
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HIV is unusual because it can infect others only when blood or body fluids are passed from an infected person to another person. This can happen during sex, when needles are shared, during childbirth, breast-feeding, blood transfusions or when sharp ... More >> |
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None of us choose to become infected with HIV. Many different people may be living with HIV. These include women or men infected by their partners, babies born with the virus, sick people who have received infected blood while in hospital, and girls ... More >> |
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Many people become infected with HIV through sex. For two people in a sexual relationship to avoid infection, they both have to be free of HIV and stay faithful and committed to each other.
People need to care about each other and the future. We ca... More >> |
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Those of us who are living with HIV may look healthy, feel healthy and often do not know we are infected with HIV. In some countries one in every four or five people is living with HIV. It may take many years before they develop AIDS. During those ye... More >> |
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Many cultures have harmful traditions and attitudes that encourage the spread of HIV infection. For example, young men often feel they need to prove they are ‘real men’ by having sexual relations with many different young women. Men who use condoms m... More >> |
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In many places it is possible to be tested to find out if someone is infected with HIV. Many people prefer not to know and fear the reactions of others. However, it is important to know the truth. People who find they are infected with HIV can avoid ... More >> |
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When people first discover they have HIV, they may be shocked. Even if infection is likely, they will still hope the test is negative. They may want to deny it and tell themselves the test is wrong. They may be angry and want to blame the person they... More >> |
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The church has a very important role in responding to the challenge of HIV and AIDS. Some churches have educated and mobilised their members and developed well-organised networks to support people affected by HIV and AIDS. They are showing the love o... More >> |
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There are some important messages to share about HIV and AIDS. These include the different ways people can become infected with HIV and AIDS. Another is that people living with HIV or AIDS need friends, love and support just like everyone else.
It ... More >> |
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Families are the biggest influence on the lives of children. They can influence the attitudes and beliefs of children as they grow up. Set aside regular times, such as mealtimes, to provide an opportunity for all family members to talk about their da... More >> |
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One in every four or five babies born to women living with HIV will be infected with HIV. The risk is higher if the birth is long and difficult. All pregnant women should receive ante-natal care if possible.
A woman who discovers she has HIV while ... More >> |
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Healthy eating is important for everyone. However, as HIV damages the body’s ability to fight infection, it is really important for people with HIV to eat foods that help the body to stay healthy. Some of these, such as eggs, meat and milk may cost m... More >> |
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Many scientists have been working to develop a vaccine for HIV. However, there is little evidence of success yet.
Certain medicines can help maintain good health for people living with HIV or AIDS. Antibiotics, such as co-trimoxazole, help treat pn... More >> |
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When we consider people affected by HIV and AIDS we usually immediately think of people who are infected. The children of parents with HIV or AIDS are often ignored. These children may or may not be living with HIV themselves. Their future is threate... More >> |
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Children orphaned by AIDS may need someone to provide a home for them. This should be in their own community if possible. Babies and toddlers need extra love, attention and stimulation to encourage them to develop. If their parents were sick they may... More >> |
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When people develop AIDS, there will be times when they are really unwell. They will need particular care and support at these times, when they are too weak to look after themselves. The infections people get will vary but tuberculosis (TB), painful ... More >> |
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HIV always leads to AIDS and can lead to an early death. We all die, sometimes unexpectedly. Knowing death is near can enable people to prepare themselves.
People living with HIV often form close and supportive relationships with others in the same... More >> |
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There is great pressure on those who care for people living with HIV and AIDS. Some carers visit those who are sick or dying. Full-time carers, often grandparents, may provide a permanent home for children who are orphaned by AIDS.
Most people who ... More >> |
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People living with HIV or AIDS can suffer various injustices. Fear and ignorance can lead to families sending away people they think may have HIV. The wives of men with HIV are often treated badly. Children may be forced to leave school.
Women who ... More >> |
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Facing up to the challenge of HIV and AIDS can bring surprising benefits. Some benefits come as communities work together to help those affected. Some benefits come as people begin to talk openly about subjects they previously felt too embarrassed to... More >> |
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These Bible studies are designed for use in small groups. They may provide a useful introduction to a meeting where different topics from the Guide are being discussed. Choose a study that will be linked to the topic you plan to study or that is rele... More >> |
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Footsteps Issue 61 looks at the impact of HIV on children. It contains ideas to help support children, not just practically but also socially and culturally. It contains articles on memory boxes, good practice, anti-retroviral treatment for children ... More >> |
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