Worldwide, there are roughly 36 million people living with HIV – the virus that causes AIDS. African-Americans, while representing only 12 percent of the total US population, accounted for more than half of all new AIDS cases in this country last year.
There is still no cure for AIDS – but there is much more that we can do to prevent teens from contracting this fatal disease. The STD and AIDS Awareness Module teaches participants about HIV and AIDS, as well as about other sexually-transmitted diseases (STDs) including syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhea. New research has found that people with genital ulcers, the majority of which are herpes sores, are 11 times more likely to later acquire HIV than those who don’t have ulcers.
By creating a forum in which young people feel more comfortable talking about their private affairs, they will be more apt to subsequently discuss these sensitive issues with their sexual partner, and perhaps move toward more regular HIV testing.
Click here to sample the YLA STD/AIDS Awareness module.
STD & AIDS AWARENESS GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Learn how to identify the different types of STDs
Introduce abstinence as the only 100% effective method to avoid the sexual transmission of STDs
Discuss the difference between HIV and AIDS
Learn to make healthy and positive choices to be abstinent and prevent contracting STDS
Emphasize the absolute necessity of condom use for those who choose not to abstain from sexual activity
Emphasize the need to get tested for people who are (or have been) sexually active or an IV drug user
Learn treatment for the different types of STDs
Understand how the fears, misconceptions, and stigma associated with STDs are a barrier to prevention and treatment
Learn about each person's responsibility in controlling the spread of STDs
