Raise Awareness

A growing percentage of young people are unaware of the sexual health services available to them. Where do you go to seek out information on testing and contraception? 

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Knowledge stops Stigma

Is HIV treatable? Can you safely have sex with someone who’s HIV positive? Yes, and yes. 

The knowledge exists to end the HIV epidemic. But not everyone has access to it. 

Talking about the reality of HIV breaks stigma and empowers individuals to manage their sexual health.

  

What You Can Do:

Raise your voice – Never be afraid to share the facts about HIV. You might be giving someone information they didn’t know they needed. 

FAQ

Knowledge & Awareness

What is “sexual health knowledge”? Sexual health knowledge means having the information we need to look after our sexual health and avoid high-risk sexual practices.   

In the case of HIV, knowledge means understanding how HIV is transmitted (and not), how to protect ourselves from transmission, and where to go for testing and treatment.
 
Sexual health knowledge is either attained through education or experience. However, in some parts of the world, a lack of access to sexual health education means that some individuals and communities have never heard of HIV.
 
What impacts knowledge? A person’s sexual health knowledge is greatly influenced by their background and environment. In some cultures, sex remains taboo and may be a complex subject to discuss; in others, education may be a privilege primarily reserved for boys. 
 
A recent study in South Africa found a significant number of correlations between high school students’ socioeconomic status and their HIV/AIDS knowledge.
 
What resources are available to young people to improve their knowledge? Social media is a powerful tool for spreading knowledge and getting information to people who may be reluctant to raise the topic with their families. Don’t be afraid to use your platform to share information about HIV and the health services available in your area.
 
Educational resources you can use: 
 
What is SRH and why does it matter? Sexual Relationship Health (SRH) education in schools and communities ensures young people have the knowledge they need about HIV. Access to confidential health services means they can seek information and check their status without fearing the reactions of their family or community. 
 
Why is awareness of sexual health services and HIV testing so important? A basic level of knowledge about HIV and available health services is essential for protecting ourselves and others from HIV infection. When awareness is low, people are less likely to get tested, and sexual partners are at a higher risk of infecting one another. 
 
Adolescents are the age group at the highest risk of HIV infection. Yet their testing rates – the frequency with which they choose to get tested for HIV – tend to be lowest, especially among groups with low education levels. This can cause the transmission rate of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections to rise. It isn’t always apparent when you’ve contracted HIV – which is why it’s always best to frequently get tested if you’re sexually active.
 
Being informed protects not only you but also the people you care about.