HIV-positive children reach out to their peers in a new book

South African children will soon be able to learn about HIV/AIDS from a book written by their HIV-positive peers. Two NGOs in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) province are working on an as yet untitled publication, in which children explain the progression of the disease in their own words. The book is a collaborative project by the Sinikithemba HIV/AIDS Care Centre - which offers HIV-testing, counselling and ongoing support services - and HIVAN, a centre for HIV/AIDS networking. According to project principal Lauren Cobham, the book will give HIV-positive children a scientifically correct explanation of how the virus works in the body through text and children's drawings, but could also be used as an educational tool in schools throughout South Africa. Despite being one of the countries hardest hit by the epidemic, there is still not enough educational material to help youngsters understand HIV/AIDS - an estimated 230,000 are living with HIV/AIDS. "It is traumatic for children not to understand the disease they have," Cobham told PlusNews. The contents of the book were selected after a series of workshops in April, attended by seven HIV-positive children who knew their status. Aged between 11 and 14, they were "enthusiastic" about the opportunity to help other children understand the realities of HIV, she said. The workshop participants each created a doll, to which they talked about the virus, their bodies and immune systems, traditional and western medication, drug adherence and tuberculosis. The role-plays will be included in the book. Cobham explained that it was easier for children to tell their story in an indirect way, rather than having to speak directly about their experiences. "We were amazed with the amount of knowledge the children had about the virus, but we also had to [shed light on] a number of myths, for example, that the virus can penetrate condoms," she commented. Angela Hough, an educational psychologist at the University of KZN in Pietermaritzburg, acknowledged that although peer education was an important and useful tool, adults also had to contribute, particularly in dealing with complicated concepts. Using dolls as primary 'characters' of the book will also assure anonymity, as most of the children have not publicly disclosed their HIV status. "Children are very aware and fearful of the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS, especially by their peers at school," said Cobham. A team comprising a care worker, psychologist, counsellor and medical doctor were present during the workshops to offer emotional and psychological support. The seven participating children are also part of a playgroup for HIV-positive kids that are either on antiretroviral (ARV) treatment or preparing to start taking ARVs. "Children express their feelings while they are playing ... through play, communication barriers between children and adults can be broken down," said Sinikithemba's chief counsellor, Monty Thomas. The seven children will continue to meet as a mutual support group after the book has been published, as HIV-positive children of this age group do not usually disclose to their peers. But Cobham noted that the book had made the kids more open to talk to others about their disease.