WHY IT'S IMPORTANT TO TALK:

• To know each other's HIV status
• To establish trust and understanding
• To make informed decisions about sexual activities
• To reduce the risk of HIV transmission

CHOOSE THE RIGHT TIME AND PLACE:

• Find a quiet, comfortable, and private environment
• Ensure both partners are relaxed and open to conversation
• Avoid discussing this topic immediately before or after sex

BE OPEN AND HONEST:

• Share your own HIV status
• Discuss any past experiences or concerns
• Express your feelings about safe sex and HIV prevention

USE CLEAR AND SIMPLE LANGUAGE:

• Use straightforward terms to describe HIV and safe sex
• Avoid using medical jargon or complicated language

LISTEN AND SHOW EMPATHY:

• Allow your partner to express their thoughts and feelings
• Validate their emotions and concerns
• Avoid...

WHAT IS HIV STIGMA?

HIV stigma refers to the negative attitudes, beliefs, and discrimination directed toward people living with HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus).

This prejudice often stems from fear, ignorance, and misconceptions about HIV transmission and its association with certain behaviors, groups, or lifestyles.

The impact of HIV stigma on people living with HIV can be detrimental, affecting various aspects of their lives

such as mental health, social relationships, and access to health care

MENTAL HEALTH:

Stigma can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, and isolation for those living with HIV. They may experience anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem as a result of being stigmatized, which can exacerbate existing mental health challenges or lead to new ones.

SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS:

HIV stigma can result in social isolation, as people living with HIV may be rejected by family, friends, and communities. This can lead to a lack of support and a sense of...

CD4 COUNT:

CD4 count is a test that measures the number of a specific type of white blood cell called CD4+ T-cells in a person's blood. These cells are important in fighting infections, but HIV attacks and kills them, weakening the immune system. The CD4 count test helps doctors monitor how HIV affects the immune system and how well the treatment works to keep the immune system healthy.

VIRAL LOAD:

Viral load refers to the amount of HIV virus in a person's blood. The test measures the number of copies of the virus present in a milliliter of blood. Monitoring viral load is important for people living with HIV, as it helps to determine how well antiretroviral therapy (ART) is working to suppress the virus.

UNDETECTABLE:

Undetectable refers to the level of HIV virus in a person's blood is so low that it cannot be detected by standard blood tests. Typically, this means having a viral load below 50 copies of the virus per milliliter of blood. Achieving an undetectable viral load...