8 • MODULE EIGHT: PREVENTING AND LIVING WITH HIV
ACTIVITY TWO
HIV Transmission: Doors of Entry
Group Check In- Inform the group that in order for the HIV virus to enter the body, it needs a door (entry) and a
vehicle (medium). Use drawings to illustrate. This vehicle is the body fluids. - On a flip chart, on one half write “Body fluids that can transmit HIV.” On another piece of paper
write “Body fluids that can not transmit HIV.” Make sure the four main body fluids that transmit
HIV are written: vaginal secretions, semen, blood and breast milk. Other fluids could be tears,
sweat, urine, saliva. - Next to “Body fluids that can transmit HIV” write “Door” and draw an open door. Mention that
body fluids from one body cannot enter another body unless there is a door open. - Brainstorm and write cut, sore and wound. Then write through the soft tissue or “mucous
membrane.” Mucous membranes are found in the vagina, tip of the penis, anus, mouth, eyes
and nose. - Now help the group see how the following are ways to get infected with HIV:
- Vaginal and anal intercourse;
- Maybe kissing, if there is a sore in the mouth;
- Sharing needles, tattoos or sharp unsterilized equipment;
- Blood transfusion with untested blood; and
- Mother to child during childbirth or breast feeding.
Examine each against fluids and door.
Experience from the field
It worked very well and the children shared the activity with children who were not involved in LSE.
Drawings for explaining concepts like mucous membrane were very effective. (PCI, Delhi)Tips for the facilitator- If the facilitator does not want to draw the door, pictures can be used and pasted. Visual aids
would increase effectiveness – the children will understand better and also remember. - The facilitator must adapt according to the age and understanding of the children. Again, the
facilitator must be comfortable with handling issues of sex and sexuality.