9.5. Things you can do to help your community deal with HIV and AIDS

You
* You can start with helping yourself. Make sure that you do not get infected by practising safe sex, get to know your HIV status and manage your health by eating properly and exercising if you can.
* Being diagnosed HIV positive does not mean the end of the world nor does it mean that you can infect the people around you. As long as the necessary precautions are taken, there is no chance that other people can be infected through casual contact.
See 1. Basic facts about HIV and AIDS
* Living with a secret or in denial is not a healthy way to live. People living with HIV and AIDS can lead long and more productive lives if they are given support and they are able to manage stress.
* Disclosing your status should help people ease the burden of keeping secrets and makes it possible for you to get support from friends, families, support groups and the community.
Your family
* Talk to your family about HIV and AIDS. Encourage them to know their status as well.
* One of the best places for people living with HIV to be cared for is at home, surrounded by family and friends who love them.
* Being at home is cheaper, more comfortable, more familiar and gives you control over your life.
* People living with HIV and AIDS already have the stress of living one day at a time - they do not need added worries about the people around them but should instead have their support and understanding.
Your community
* There are many different forms of community support available. Join a current group or educate yourself on what is available to help others.
* Encourage people to download the B the Future cellbook on their phones so that they have quick and easy access to information on HIV and AIDS.
* Talk to your friends and family about HIV and AIDS.
* Volunteer to do work for an NGO or FBO in the community.
* Assist people in financial need to apply for government grants by taking them to the Department of Social Development and helping them with the paperwork.
* Help people who are sick by taking them to a clinic or hospital.
* Inform the local home-based care organisation of a sick friend or family member.
* Offer to become an AIDS buddy - help someone on ARVs to take their medication regularly.
* Encourage others not to discriminate against an HIV positive person by showing your care and support for such a person.
* Get people to join groups that fight for the rights of HIV positive people such as the Treatment Action Campaign or the AIDS Law project.
See HIV contact details.
See 10. Legal and Human Rights.
* Find out what support your employer offers around HIV and AIDS. Is testing provided for free? Is there an HIV disease management programme for HIV positive people? What education material is available?
* Talk to your co-workers about HIV and AIDS.
* Contact Metropolitan Foundation on info@livethefuture.co.za for more information about workplace programmes and interventions.
* You can also look at the SA Business Coalition on HIV and AIDS website www.sabcoha.org.za for examples of workplace initiatives.
Think about where you can get involved - your local soccer club, school, church, shebeen, workplace or home? We can all make a difference to prevent new infections and care for those who are infected.
If you would like the Metropolitan Foundation to help your community to address HIV and AIDS, contact us on info@livethefuture.co.za or visit our website www.livethefuture.co.za. The Live the Future scenarios are four different stories about a future South Africa depending on our actions around HIV and AIDS. We can all be part of the Summer for All People!
- end of chapter -



NOTE! Read more about HIV and AIDS by following the menu on the left.