Int Conf AIDS. 1998;12:1003 (abstract no. 60006). Unique Identifier :
ISSUE: To educate the need for disclosure of HIV status and how to go
about it. PROJECT: Due to the growing rate of infection and deaths in
the African community, which is directly related to the reluctance of
P.H.A.s (People Having AIDS) disclosing their status, a Workshop/Seminar
was developed. This 5-day workshop was organized with a large number of
ethnic groups. The workshop emphasized the importance of disclosure as a
way to get early treatment. It also dispelled many myths about HIV/AIDS
while addressing the need to overcome the cultural barriers that
encourage stigmas. Pamphlets and other education materials relevant to
the subject were distributed. RESULTS: The information was well
received. Since the workshop, there has been a remarkable increase in
the number of African PHAs that have stepped forward and disclosed their
status. As a result, many are currently now receiving treatment. LESSONS
LEARNED: Decline in infection rate leading to decline in death rate of
the African people is possible if the effort towards education is
intensified in the area of disclosure and cultural barriers.
MEETING ABSTRACTS Blacks/*PSYCHOLOGY Canada Health Education Human
HIV Infections/*PREVENTION & CONTROL/PSYCHOLOGY/TRANSMISSION Knowledge,
Attitudes, Practice *Prejudice *Truth Disclosure