RAPSIDA’s HIV/AIDS Prevention Messages
Even though most people in Rwanda have the basic knowledge about HIV/AIDS and how it can be prevented through the ABC approach (Abstain, Be Faithful, or use a Condom), this knowledge should not be taken for granted, especially knowledge about condoms.
Condom use is increasingly being seen as a negative thing, with the rise in faith based approaches that focus on abstinence only.
HIV Prevention Messages must be catered to the target audience:
Among primary school youth, RAPSIDA urges abstinence, but will discuss condoms with the youth in Primary 5 and 6 if they ask about them.
RAPSIDA urges secondary school youth to Abstain or to use a Condom. Given the lack of openness and discussion about sex in Rwandan culture, and the promiscuity that is almost sanctioned in certain parts of Rwandan culture, RAPSIDA does not focus on Being Faithful among secondary school youth. Even if Secondary School youth are faithful, the risk of unwanted pregnancies should be enough to make someone want to use a condom, even with a trusted partner. Despite what many people want to believe, the students in the schools are having sex and they need to understand that there are other options to sex, but that they should wear condoms if they have sex. (For an example of our Secondary School Message Briefs—handouts—please click here.)
Among older, married people, RAPSIDA promotes all three, ABC, as viable HIV Prevention Methods.
Empowerment:
Some people have the prevention knowledge but they don’t have the power to implement that knowledge. RAPSIDA also addresses culture-, gender-, and age-related reasons why some people lack the power to implement HIV-prevention. Thus, RAPSIDA addresses issues such as poverty, prostitution, “sugar daddies”, stigma, silence, lack of positive alternatives to sex, a woman’s right to say “No” or propose condom use, unfaithfulness, etc.
Motivation:
Sometimes people who have the power to implement their knowledge do not change their behavior because they lack motivation. In part, this lack of motivation can be due to a person’s inability to feel personally at-risk of contracting HIV, and RAPSIDA incorporates peer education games and plays that illustrate such personal risk factors and make it fun for added measure.
In addition, the lack of motivation can be due to the fact that people do not feel personally and emotionally connected to someone who has HIV. RAPSIDA encourages such a personal connection through the musical plays that are based on personal stories, through the non-fictional candlelight ceremonies, and through activities involving PLWHA at the school.
Overcoming Stigma:
As mentioned in other areas of this website, RAPSIDA acknowledges the need to overcome the myths that lead to stigmatization in order to get people to start thinking about HIV Prevention. RAPSIDA works to overcome the myth that you cannot touch someone with HIV, or that you cannot share food with someone who has HIV. We also teach that stigma can be loudly and actively proclaimed, or it can be silently and fearfully affirmed, and that people must take personal responsibility for counteracting silent stigma. In addition, showing people the difference between HIV and AIDS can go a long way to decreasing the negative stigma related to people who only have HIV. RAPSIDA accomplishes all of the above through creative and surprising activities that involve both actors and PLWHA—such as spending the night in the home of someone who has HIV and testifying about it during the play/discussions, or sharing communal meals with PLWHA.
A Sample Theme Guide for the Secondary School Anti-SIDA Clubs
Theme: Let’s Talk about Sex and Urge Abstinence or Condoms
Talking about sex can be fun and informative.
Talking about sex can never harm a person, unless someone verbally abuses someone else with violent words and phrases.
Talking about sex can help you plan your future because you will gain more confidence in who you are and where you are going if you are free to talk about sex.
Most people think about sex a lot. It is not healthy to hold in your thoughts. It is better to find people that you can talk to about sex and the feelings you have in your body.
Talking about sex can often help you to make good choices (such as abstaining from sex)
Abstinence
Abstinence means not engaging in sexual intercourse (penetration).
Abstinence is the only way for youth to be 100% sure that they will remain HIV negative. It is also the only way for youth to be 100% sure that they will not get pregnant or get other STDs.
Trusting your partner (i.e. fidelity) may not protect youth 100% from HIV, and thus it is better to abstain unless you have a very strong relationship and understanding with the other person (such as knowledge of the other person’s HIV test, and a verbal commitment between the two people).
Abstinence is easy for some people but it is difficult for others.
If you want to abstain but you find it difficult, then try to find good alternatives to sexual intercourse (penetration).
Abstinence Activities include:
KissingHugging
Caressing/Touching
Masturbation (self or mutual)
Playing sports
Going to Church
Chatting
Group Activities, like Scouts (involving more than just two people)
Condoms
For youth who cannot abstain, condoms are the best option for protecting against infection from HIV, other STDs, and pregnancy.
Even if you trust your partner 100% (fidelity), it is better to use a condom if you have sex because it will protect against unwanted pregnancies.
Pulling out early before ejaculation is not a good argument against using condoms. Women can still get pregnant from pre-cum (semen that might come out of the penis before full ejaculation).
There are many misconceptions about condoms. Many people spread rumors about condoms when they do not know what they are talking about. Some of these rumors include the idea that condoms hurt people or that they have holes in them.
You must understand that there are ways to determine whether a condom is safe. You must verify the expiry date on the package and keep the condom in good condition by storing it properly.
Condoms are not 100% certain to protect you from HIV, but if you are going to have sex with someone you cannot trust fully to be HIV negative, then you should use a condom because it will definitely reduce your chances of contracting HIV.
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