Classic Program: Starter Facilitator Handbook for Healing Groups

Now let us see what happens when ARV drugs are used. 9. Two ARVs now come into Didier’s body. They hold down HIV so now when Flu , Malaria, etc. invade the blood soldiers can throw them out. everyone freeze. Blood tests are important—the only way to be sure of recognizing HIV infection. ARVs are drugs that do not rid the body of HIV but control it. The medicine has to be taken life-long; if stopped the HIV will escape and will again cause trouble. Tip For the “blood wars” skit, note that in some contexts physical contact of men and women in public is not allowed. In these contexts, have either all men or all women playing the parts. Clarification on mother-to-child transmission of HIV 1. Normally, the HIV virus does not pass through the placenta. But if the placenta is torn or bleeding, the mother’s blood containing HIV can get to the baby. 2. If a mother is HIV+ and not treated, the baby can get HIV by swallowing infected vaginal fluid during the birth process. The virus can also enter through the eyes or through cuts or sores in the skin. 3. Breast milk can be a problem if the baby is eating other food as well, because the food can cause cuts in the stomach lining and HIV can pass through these cuts. If the baby is only receiving breast milk, there is no danger of infection as the milk passes through the baby without damage to the stomach lining. Time-savers 1. If most participants are already familiar with the facts about HIV/AIDS, select a few questions from the quiz rather than use all of them. 2. Section 4 can be skipped as it is partially covered in Section 3. Or, have some table groups discuss beliefs and other table groups discuss practices. 3. Skip the story. The “blood wars” skit and test provide a lot of interaction.

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Classic Program Facilitator Handbook