PrEP and HIV Aids Preventative Measures

Zuri is shy to admit that she is taking PrEP and has had experience with HIV and Aids in her family. She tries to speak up about the importance of PrEP but the boys in her class make fun of her and laugh, although it’s clearly not a laughing matter. She is devastated, as her bravery and attempt to support Aids preventative measures is met with antagonism. Unfortunately, many young people feel that HIV Aids doesn’t affect them, and therefore preventative measures are unnecessary. This is usually due to a lack of education surrounding medication such as PrEP, and the feeling of “shame and disgrace” many people feel when they admit that family members are HIV-Positive. There are many preventative measures available to protect yourself and your loved ones from contracting HIV, and we need to support prevention as much as possible in order to lessen the spread and impact of this disease. PrEP (Pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a preventative medication that is highly recommended for an HIV-negative person who is in a relationship with an HIV positive person. Read more about PrEP, along with other prevention measures and HIV treatment here

Empathy

Mrs Dlamini asks for Bandile’s forgiveness for not being honest with him about her HIV status, in turn causing a change in heart in Bandile’s attitude. He asks for Zuri’s forgiveness, for the way he treated her and his lack of empathy. The discomfort and humiliation that many people feel for speaking up about HIV Aids can stop if we all show better empathy and support to those who have the courage to speak up. Mrs Dlamini was afraid to speak to anyone about her HIV Aids status, for fear of how they would react, but she was inspired by Zuri’s courage to show everyone how serious preventative measures are, and this led to her being more honest with her son. Her honesty allowed Bandile to see HIV as something more sensitive and personal than he realised, and he was able to change his attitude towards Zuri, supporting her, and listening to her story with genuine care.