Around 110 ninth-grade students recently gathered in the auditorium of Korntal-Münchingen secondary school to discuss the topics of HIV and AIDS. In the first part, Dr. Uschi Traub, Head of Prevention and Health Promotion in the Health Department of the Ludwigsburg District Office, and her colleague Alessa Polziehn gave an interactive presentation on the spread, transmission routes, prevention and treatment options for HIV infection. "Prevention is better than treatment," said Traub.
The pupils were also made aware of the stigmatization of HIV-positive people that still exists. "HIV is first and foremost a virus, but discrimination in this regard is a serious burden for those affected," said Traub at the end of the presentation. These words heralded the start of the panel discussion. Here, Mihajlo and Daniela, who are affected by HIV, gave a vivid account of their lives since becoming infected. The students had numerous questions - including whether those affected have ever experienced discrimination because of their illness or what problems have arisen in their relationships as a result of their illness.
The summary of the event was positive, the principal Astrid Galimpas and biology teacher Susanne Hertweck-Brieskorn were very satisfied with the information event and saw added value for the pupils.
