Ayebale Elizabeth Hails Shared Action Africa for Empowering Youths with HIV/AIDS Awareness and Life Skills.
Ayebale Elizabeth, a 20-year-old resident of Oruchinga, Isingiro District, Uganda, has expressed her appreciation to Shared Action Africa for changing her life by equipping her with vital information about HIV/AIDS and how to protect herself as a young woman in the community. She benefited from the organization’s community outreach program in Oruchinga Refugee Settlement, which targeted youths with disabilities.
Elizabeth thanked the organization for the life skills and knowledge she received:
“I have learned how to protect myself from HIV/AIDS and how a person can acquire it. The Shared Action Africa health team explained that HIV is spread through having sex with multiple partners whose HIV status you do not know, or through sharing sharp objects like razor blades. If such an object is used by a sick person and then cuts you, it can spread the disease. I also learned that an HIV-positive mother can transmit the virus to her baby during childbirth, but this can be prevented.”
She added: “I have learned that HIV can be prevented by using condoms, avoiding sharing sharp objects, abstaining from sex until marriage, and testing with partners before engaging in any sexual activity. I have also learned that being faithful to one partner reduces the spread of HIV. Regular HIV testing is also important because it helps you know your status and take the right steps for your life. I am grateful to Shared Action Africa for this support.”