The programme uses reports, interviews and young people's
stories to demonstrate the issues that people have to face in two
very different communities. There are three broad sections:
1. HIV, AIDS and the global epidemic
2. The impact of AIDS on a Kenyan community
3. AIDS in the UK today
1. HIV, AIDS and the global epidemic
00.00–02.20
The global AIDS epidemic and its impact on the African continent.
Information about the nature of AIDS and the HIV virus that causes
it. A summary of the ways in which people can become infected, and
methods of preventing infection.
2. The impact of AIDS on a Kenyan community
02.20–06.45
Cultural background, sexual habits and myths fuel the AIDS crisis
in Kenya. Fishermen trade around the shores of Lake Victoria,
unwittingly spreading HIV through unprotected sex. Poverty
encourages prostitution among women, leading to further spread of
HIV. Mothers with HIV can infect their babies in the womb, during
birth or through breast-feeding.
A grandmother has lost three daughters and one son to AIDS and
now must look after nine grandchildren. Another woman is dying of
AIDS because she can't afford the drugs that would prolong her
life.
Teachers use songs and drama to help schoolchildren understand
AIDS and how to protect themselves and their community.
06.46–09.49
Marie Staunton of Plan International explains why AIDS has affected
Africa more than anywhere else in the world. She stresses the
importance of education, self-help and counselling in bringing
about change.
09.50–15.01
Two AIDS orphans describe the problems of living with relatives in
a country where there is no state provision for education and
welfare.
3. Living with AIDS in the UK
15.23–18.50
Keith Weinstein of the National AIDS Trust explains that while AIDS
is more under control in the UK, with drug therapy and other
services available to sufferers, figures are slowly rising,
especially in the heterosexual population. He says that it is
essential to maintain awareness of the condition and educate for
prevention.
18.51–23.45
A young boy who was infected with HIV while his mother was pregnant
with him explains what it is like to suffer from AIDS and cope with
the stigma. A teenage girl, whose mother was infected by a blood
transfusion after giving birth to her, tells her story. The girl
herself is not infected, but her younger sister is. Another teenage
girl, whose mother was infected by her stepfather, describes how
she feels. All the interviewees stress the importance of education
in preventing the spread of HIV and combating prejudice. In order
to protect those involved, their stories are told by actors.
© 4 Ventures 2003
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