16 • MODULE EIGHT: PREVENTING AND LIVING WITH HIV
Additional Step in the Activity
If STIs are a major problem in the group, you could have an exercise where the major STIs and
their symptoms are explained to the group. A simple match-the-symptom-with-the-STI on cards
can be used. (See Information sheet on STIs.)- On a flipchart write True and False. Write each statement on a card and give it to a group of three or
four children. Each group reads out, discusses the statement and pastes it under True or False
depending on their understanding.
Some examples (add others as you need according to the needs of the group):
a. People do not always realize they have an STI;
(True. Some STIs are difficult to see or feel, especially in women. Sores may come and go.
Because you do not see them doesn’t mean they are not there)
b. If the symptoms of STI go away, the STI has also gone away;
(False. See above)
c. Once you get an STI, you do not get it again;
(False. You do not develop immunity against STIs.)
d. You can tell if someone has an STI by looking at the vagina or penis;
(False. More than 50% of STIs do not have symptoms).
e. Most STIs are curable;
(True. Most STIs – except HIV, herpes and genital warts – are curable if treatment is
completed and done in time).
f. If you do not treat STIs, men and women (may have problems in being able to produce a
baby) can become sterile;
(True. STIs can cause infertility).
g. Having an STI makes it easier to become infected with HIV;
(True. STIs create sores or small breaks in the skin of the penis or in the wall of the vagina
that allows HIV to enter. Thus, HIV can easily pass to a sexual partner).
h. If I use birth control pills, I am protected from STIs (for children above 14);
(False. Abstinence from sex, being faithful to one sexual partner or condoms can protect
you from STI).
i. If a doctor is treating me for an STI, my partners also must be treated;
(True. Both must be treated at the same time to stop re-infection).
j. Men who have an STI are cured if they have sex with a virgin;
(False. Totally a myth).
k. My friend had the same problem as me, so I will use the same medicine s/he took. There
is no need to go to a doctor; and
(False. Self-medication or advice from a friend can result in a wrong or inadequate
dosage. Visit to a qualified doctor is essential.)
l. If I wash with antiseptics frequently, the infection will go away.
(False. It is good to have good hygiene but medicine is necessary.)