Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2006. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies - November 24, 2006
Oksana Shved, Ukrainian Red Cross
Today Ukraine shows the most rapid spread of HIV in Eastern Europe, more than 1,4% of Ukrainians are living with HIV, including over 10 000 children.
After 15 years of independence, the country has changed dramatically. For some decades, young people have received information at school about prevention and safe sexual behaviour with the belief that education on HIV/AIDS and drugs can change their behaviour.
However, the increasing rate of infection shows that making people aware of risks does not necessarily guarantee safe behaviour.
Therefore, 'peer-to-peer' education involving former drug users and people living with HIV as peer trainers for Red Cross volunteers is of vital importance.
After completing the drug rehabilitation process, Stanislav decided to become involved in peer education. He saw it as part of his therapy. In addition to peer education sessions with schoolchildren and students, he is also involved in social theatre. He is living with HIV and openly stands up to talk about his situation to help his peers.
"Although my diagnosis could be kept confidential, I come to the class, and reveal my status to protect and secure other young people, not to let HIV and AIDS enter their life," he says.
The Red Cross also takes an active part in fighting stigma and discrimination towards people living with HIV by organizing international sporting competitions like an annual arm-wrestling tournament under the slogan "You can't get AIDS by handshaking" or an international poster competition "Anti-AIDS Ukraine' showing more than 230 works from 15 countries.
Anti-stigma promotion was also held at the famous Kazantip music festival in Crimea, where young party-goers could get information on HIV prevention, condoms and pass a test on HIV and AIDS.
This year, World AIDS Day in Ukraine will focus on linking and reinforcing Red Cross activities on HIV. Intensive peer-to-peer courses will be held before December 1 in Ukrainian schools aiming at raising awareness and changing attitudes.
Schoolchildren and students will be motivated and invited to join the Candle March, an annual event of solidarity with people living with HIV.
Visitors of Red Cross 'peer-to-peer' sessions will also write their promises to fight HIV and AIDS, which will be given back to them next year to remind them about our personal duty to keep promises aiming at prevention of HIV and promotion of tolerance towards people living with HIV.
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