accessibility & help

Itibek's story: people with HIV shouldn't face stigma

A young man crouching down against wall©InfoItibek Feminkulov, 16, has been a peer educator for the Kyrygyzstan Red Crescent for nine months.

Itibek is keen to raise awareness of HIV and promote the need for tolerance and understanding of the virus.

"I think the most important thing I can do as a volunteer is help young people understand how they can prevent HIV. I promote the need for a healthy lifestyle and safe behaviour."

Itibek wants young people to understand that people with HIV need our support and understanding and should not have to face stigma and discrimination.

Discrimination

"I have heard of HIV positive people who have committed suicide because of the discrimination they faced. I want people to understand that these people are the same as us, need our acceptance and should be treated equally and fairly. It is not their fault they have HIV - anyone can get it."

In the future Itibek hopes more people will get involved and volunteer for the Red Crescent.

"I hope that more and more young people will get involved with this work with the Red Crescent. We need more volunteers to deliver training to other groups of people. The more we communicate the more people will understand about HIV in the future."

Read about Aida's passion for fighting the stigma of HIV

Watch the video stories of young people who are teaching sexual health, drug and HIV awareness to others their own age in the streets and in schools.

 

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