HIV/AIDS (II) – JSS1 Basic Science Lesson Note (Second Term)

HIV is a virus that causes AIDS, which is real and medically proven. Anyone can contract HIV, and it is not transmitted by casual contact such as hugging, sharing a toilet or mosquito bites. At present, there is no cure. People living with HIV/AIDS need counselling, medical tests, care and support.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Name places where a student can go for counselling and medical tests.
2. State the care and support that can be given to people living with HIV/AIDS.
3. Identify common myths about HIV/AIDS.
4. State facts about HIV/AIDS.

Where can students go for counselling and testing?

Places to go for counselling and medical tests include:

1. School guidance counsellor
2. Health centres
3. Specialised institutions
4. Youth centres
5. Adolescent-focused NGOs

What care and support can people living with HIV/AIDS be given?

The support and care that can be given to people living with HIV/AIDS include:

1. Compassion and understanding, which create a sense of love and build self-confidence.
2. Emotional support and nurturing, which are important in maintaining a positive sense of self.
3. Familiar surroundings with loved ones, which create a sense of security and help break isolation.

What are the myths about HIV/AIDS?

Myths are beliefs that are not true or scientifically proven. These include:

1. HIV/AIDS can be contracted by hugging an infected person.
2. It can be cured.
3. HIV/AIDS can be contracted by sharing a comb or hairbrush.
4. HIV/AIDS patients can be recognised by their facial appearance.
5. HIV/AIDS can be contracted through mosquito bites.
6. It can be contracted by sharing the same toilet with an infected person.
7. Some birth control pills can prevent HIV transmission.

What are the facts about HIV/AIDS?

1. AIDS is real and medically proven.
2. Anyone can contract HIV/AIDS.
3. Most people who get AIDS die.
4. AIDS is caused by a virus.
5. Having sexual intercourse with many people increases the chance of getting HIV.
6. HIV is not transmitted by casual contact.
7. At present, there is no cure for AIDS.

Evaluation

1. Mention four (4) places a student can go for counselling on AIDS.
2. Highlight three (3) myths about HIV/AIDS.

Assignment

1. List three ways of giving care and support to a person living with HIV/AIDS.
2. State three facts about HIV/AIDS.