- Reach Out-

On behalf of my friend, Boon.

I'm helping her spread the word. :-)

Boon doing her thing.

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Reach Out!

Youth Against HIV/AIDS.

Boys Brigade (BB) ReachOut 2008 - Youth Against HIV/AIDS.

Is a joint initiative between The Boys' Brigade in Malaysia (BBM) and The Malaysian AIDS Council (MAC) and in association with The Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH) - to create awareness and educate 100, 000 youth about HIV/AIDS from May-Dec 2008.

Hoping to achieve one of the strategies under the MAC Strategic Plan 2008-2010 that is to:

"REDUCE HIV VULNERABILITY & INFECTION AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE (Ages 15-24) AND CREATING A SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT FOR HIV PREVENTION FOR YOUTH"

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What is HIV?
Human Immunodeficiency Virus, is the cause of AIDS. HIV attacks the body's immune system, making it weak and less able to fight off diseases. When a person is confirmed to have been infected, he or she is said to be HIV-positive.

What is AIDS?

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome is a group of illnesses which occur in HIV+ people as a result of a weakened immune system.

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How is HIV transmitted?

It is only infectious in body fluids such as blood, semen, pre-ejaculation fluid and vaginal fluid including menstrual blood. Can be transmitted by :

1. Through sexual intercourse (vagina, anal or oral sex) with a HIV infected person. Oral sex is not safe from HIV/AIDS transmission because if the mouth has bleeding gums or sores, there is risk in getting infected.



2. Through sharing a syringe with a HIV infected person.



3. Through transfusion of HIV infected blood and blood products.



4. Through transmission from a HIV infected mother to her child during pregnancy, child birth or breast feeding.

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How can you protect yourself?

• By limiting your sexual activities to only one uninfected partner. (ie. your spouse)



• By using a condom correctly during sexual intercourse when you are unsure of your partner's health status.



• By not sharing needles and syringes. SAY 'NO' to drugs.

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Is there a cure for HIV/AIDS?

No. There is none. But there are anti-HIV drugs that slows the progression of the virus thus prolonging and improving the quality of life of people living with HIV/AIDS.

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THE TRUTH ABOUT HIV/AIDS

• You CANNOT get HIV/AIDS from hugging, shaking hands, or touching a HIV infected person.

• HIV/AIDS is NOT transmitted through using common toilets or bathrooms or even the swimming pool.

• You CANNOT get HIV/AIDS from sharing food or drinks.

• Mosquito or other insect bites DO NOT transmit HIV/AIDS.

• You CANNOT get HIV/AIDS from donating blood because all instruments are sterile and used only once.

• HIV/AIDS CANNOT be transmitted through sneezes, coughs, sweat or urine.

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PREVENTION IS THE KEY

We can slow down the worldwide HIV/AIDS epidemic if everyone had the right information to Prevent Infection.

YOU! and ONLY YOU! can protect yourself from getting infected with HIV/AIDS.

You can avoid infection by practicing safer sex or not sharing needles or syringes.

You need to spread this important messages to your friends and to your loved ones.

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PREVENT because

there is NO CURE

Spread the news.

Reach Out!