HIV basics: Straight Talk radio show

Some children born with HIV are in Madi hits

now adolescents. Partly, this is
due to improved HIV treatment.
But it is also now known that
airwaves
some children with HIV will
show no signs until they are
adolescents. Ideally, children born
with HIV should be given ARVs in
WKHÀUVW\HDURIOLIHTest for HIV if your parents
seem to be infected. Early treatment is best.
Encourage your parents and relatives to also
test for HIV, especially during pregnancy, and
to deliver at a health centre.
o.7 July 2009
Vol.15 N

Hosted by

Chaciga
to touch ou are growing up. You are attracted She then asked me to have sex, but I refused. She
Robert on
TransNile FM
I am 21 years old.
I was born in Yei,
Southern Sudan. I am
to the opposite sex and even get sexual started calling me “sexually inactive.” One day in a relationship. My
feelings. You want to tell that chick or she escorted me to fetch water. She squeezed my partner is at school.
dude how you feel and what you want. penis arousing my sexual feelings. Finally I had We are waiting
This explains the sex advances you get. sex with her. But I regret this because I was not to have sex after
ready." Wakabi Eric, S5, 19, Kisiki College
Edith Mukisa, a professional counselor, says Namutamba
marriage.
sexual advances can be hidden or straight Respect each
forward. For example, someone may give you Douglas and Eric's stories are among the 57 other if you are in a
gifts or make unpleasant signs, comments, jokes responses to the February Straight Talk quiz: "Tell relationship. If you
or bad touches. When done in a non-offensive
way, sexual advances may make you feel sweet,
us your experience with sexual advances and your cannot abstain from
flattered, handsome or beautiful. Enjoy the
reactions". Thank you. sex, use a condom
moment, but be careful. properly and always.
You all WIN ST CAPS
DO BOYS FALL VICTIMS TO Boys, before you make a move, think again.
Sometimes a dog must run away from a bone.
SEXUAL ADVANCES? Just because she asked for it
It is more common
for girls to get doesn't make you immune
advances from to HIV/STDs, making her
males. But boys pregnant or being imprisoned
also get sexual for defilement.
advances from girls.

Shocked? Read Douglas

and Eric's stories.

SHE PUT she offered to sponsor her.

HER BREASTS When Nanyonga Grace After completing her 'A' h
ON ME lost her parents, she had
to level, she went back to Rut
"One time I was reading look after her three brothe
rs who taught her to smoke I
my books in a bush. A girl
"I
and sisters. Tough times! but ÀVK6KHJDYHKHUFDSLWDOR er
looking after cattle passed accepted my parents' dea
th 150,000/=. Grace has nev
by and pretended to life had to continue." looked back since then.
read my notes. Then she She paid her own fees at
r
pressed her breasts on my "I sent my two brothers to
work university and looked afte
ers.
shoulder. I felt excited. stones
in a stone quarry (where n). I her two brothers and sist
My sexual feelings for building are broken dow star t Grace was recognized by
were aroused. I got used the money they got
to President Yoweri Museveni
sting. 2009
myself doing it. I a business in chicken roa le studying at for hard work. She won the by The
rd
regretted the act. I did this for three years whi ka." Women Achiever’s awa
I will never do it Lady Consolata SS in Kire New Vision. give you
again till I complete Grace says: "God cannot
for Kalangala, not carry."
my studies." Douglas When Ruth Kavuma, MP a cross which you can
the papers,
O, Amolatar SS read Nanyonga's story in

New Quiz
TOUCHED Star school
MY PENIS: KATERERA COMPREHENSIVE
"A girl aroused my HIGH SCHOOL, BUSHENYI. They
sexual feelings have written many interesting Tell us stories of the people in your community
after touching letters. You win a football and who you admire for making it in life despite
my penis netball. Wherever you are, keep hard times. Send true stories and WIN A
several writing to Straight Talk, BOOK: Introduction to Biology for O-level
times. PO Box 22366 K'la
or A long way Gone by Ishmael Beah.
2 Straight Talk, July 2009

When she makes theÀUVWPRYH

B
y Doreen Kikanu, S6 vacist
There are girls who are
shy, but their actions speak
louder than words. So how do they
do it?
Miss Beautiful
takes time to look
gorgeous for Mr
Handsome. She
wears makeup.
And like a bomb,
she will appear
at his place in
a blouse that
leaves her 'boobs'
crying out loud, a tight short skirt
that leaves most of her legs out. She
constantly stares at this guy with
her lips begging and pleading. This
leaves the boy breathing heavily.
The bold girl tells him, "I am 'horny,'
let's get down." The guy can either
play along or reject.
In the stories below, boys chose not
to play a long. Bravo!
Muwesi Andrew, aged 19,
a Straight Talk listener from
Justine Nakalema, S3, Luweero SS
Bupadhengo in Kamuli, says his
says she is abstaining to keep safe.
girlfriend once asked for sex. He
went to visit and found her in the
bedroom.
"I sat on her bed. She closed the door
and demanded for sex. I trembled
(shook in fear). I could not expect a
girl to do that. I said NO! She forced
me down on the bed. I refused. I lied
that we would have sex the following
day. I ended our relationship. Later
she did an HIV test and the results
were positive. I am HIV negative. If I
had given in I could have got HIV. "
Movies
Watching movies at night with
two girls put Moses Ogema, S4,
Dokolo Progressive SS in a
difficult situation. "I sat between two
girls who were just my friends in the
entertainment room at school. One girl
told me to do as the people in the sex
scene. She squeezed my hand on her
breast. I felt sexy. So I left the room and
went to bed alone.
Thigh power
"She sat next to me and put her arm
on my thigh. I felt her smooth fingers.
My penis erected. She said that we
go to bush for sex. I came to my
senses, then told her I was not ready."
Okwang Ambrose, Dokolo
Progressive SS
Yusuf Pande, our listener from
Kaliro, says: "I was reading my books
at school under a tree. A girl came,
sat next to me and threw her thigh
on mine. I told her to stop it. She
asked me if I did not know what to
do. I was scared to hear about sex
yet we are still in school. My father
toils to get my school fees. I insisted
on waiting. She told me I was very
stupid. Later my friend told me that
she had been in sexual relationships
with many men."
From drama to
dilemma
"There is a girl I acted with a role
of mother and father. Afterwards
she said I had acted well. She
wanted to know if I could also
play sex well. She started
unzipping my trousers.
Suddenly I said NO.
She apologized
and left."
Mubezi Dan,
St John
College,
Magale,
Manafwa
Letters
"There is a girl who sent me a letter
asking to meet her under a certain
mango tree. My friends escorted me to
meet her. She gave my friends money
to buy pork. When they left, she asked
for sex. I refused. She got annoyed
and said I was not the right person
for her. Odongo Denis, 18, Dokolo
Progressive SS
Dudes, you know what is
good for you. Real Men wait.
YOU ALL WIN ST CAPS
In such times, it is rare that you are
armed with protection like a condom.
And it is also unlikely that you know
each other's HIV status. Best choice
is to walk away. Don't live a life of
have feelings
and want to
express them.
But you should
not sexually harass
the boys by throwing
yourself all over them.

The diary of a young positive

Jane, 19, is living with HIV. Here she
shares the story of her life.
Good news! My
CD4 count has
risen from 300 last
March to 520 now.
It dropped when I fell
sick with pneumonia. I
am less stressed now. I
believe this is helping.
Charlie is now steady. I am
the only flower (girl) in his
life. He used to have other
girls and lie that they were
just friends. I knew they were
more than friends from their
text messages to him. I once
laid a trap and told my friend to
send me a love message. I knew
Charlie would read it. He got so
upset when he read it.
More good news. I have
finished my final exams
in the counseling course.
But I hope this HIV/AIDS bill doesn’t
stress me. I find it unfair. It says:
willful or intentional transmission
will lead to life imprisonment. So,
for instance, if a mother
has HIV and doesn’t get
Prevention of Mother
To Child Transmission
(PMTCT), and her baby
gets infected, she could
be imprisoned. Another
example: if a father has HIV
and infects his wife, he could
also be imprisoned for life!
The penalty should not be life
imprisonment. That mother
may not be able to get PMTCT.
And that father may be
overwhelmed by fear of stigma.
The law also says: The person
who is HIV positive will disclose
to their sexual partner.
Well that sounds easy but
disclosure is hard. The
government has not
empowered people with HIV
with disclosure skills.
Of course, I agree that the
government has an obligation to
control HIV/AIDS. But Straight
Talkers, what do you think about my
concerns about the HIV/AIDS Bill?
Should people be imprisoned for
transmitting HIV?
Questions to Jane from
Gulu Central HS
1. What role does your support
group play for HIV positives?
Samuel
The support group brings all of us Ritah
young positives together to interact, Nassali
share our experiences, learn and 14, Nalinya
have fun. It is because of the peer Lwantale Girls
support group that I have been SSS, Luweero
able to come out and share my
experiences with you.
Virginity
2. Is your boyfriend Charlie HIV
positive? Aromorac Proscovia
Yes, he is HIV positive. We love thing:
is the in me
and understand each other. We organised.
Abstinence makes
are there for each other in their virginity.
My friends have broken not concentrate
trying times like sickness. can
They are disturbed and e. I am respected.
valu
in class. Virginity has by her boyfriend after
Do you have any questions, d
comments for Jane? My friend was rejecte KHVHOOVÀUHZRRGWR
LPSUHJQDQWLQJKHU6
Write to 22366, Kampala because the
get money. She suffers assistance.
any
boy does not give her
Chelangat Victoria,
St Micheal SS
 Straight Talk, July 2009 3

Advances can turn

into forced sex nucleus of the CD4 cells. Once
inside the nucleus, the virus starts
multiplying. PEP works by blocking

T
he reality is that girls face
sexual advances that
often stretch into rape.
Studies show that 23% of girls
say that they were "not at all
willing" when they had their
first sexual intercourse. Your
letters say that rape by fathers,
uncles, brothers, cousins and
houseboys/girls and relatives is
common. This is terrible!
"I was defiled by my uncle at
seven years. He forced me into
his bedroom. I felt so much
pain and blood started coming
from my vagina. I cried but
nobody came to help me. He
warned me not to tell anyone
and threatened to kill me if I
did. When I told my friends they
advised me to tell my parents.
My parents reported him to police.
He is in prison." Girl, 19, Katerera
Comprehensive HS
Girls, be strong and report rape or
PEP is Post Exposure Prophylaxis.
It prevents HIV from multiplying
in the body. When HIV enters
the body, it attaches itself
on CD4 cells. CD4 cells are
the enzymes that transport the
HIV into the CD4 cell. When this
occurs, the virus dies. For PEP to
work, it must be given within 72
hours of being exposed to HIV: 72
hours is the latest.
By Dr Sabrina Bakeera,
Department of Paediatrics,
Makerere Medical School
Date rape
Sometimes rape happens during
an outing with a boyfriend. Edith
Mukisa gives you dating tips: Find
out where you are going. Inform
your parents or a responsible Muber Charity and
adult. If only two of you are going
to be in isolated places, do not
Pamu Mary, S4 students
from Warr Girls, Arua, say that
accept. This may lead to sexual
being friends has kept them
abuse. Go to places where you
will not be alone with him. There safe from risks such as rape.
is safety in numbers. Go with
a friend if you are not sure
of the intentions of the
outing.

Science
the commanders of the Boys, be gentlemen.
defilement cases immediately to an army of white blood cells Treat girls like ladies.
adult. Before reporting to police, that defend the body from

Corner
Let her have sweet
first go to the health centre and infections. The HIV virus memories of your date.
ask for PEP. uses enzymes to enter into the Respect her.

If someone attempts to rape you, scream. Screaming has What are

hormones?
helped some girls from being raped. Hormones are natural
Elder's chemical messengers produced by
our bodies. They tell our bodies
advnoic e how to grow and when to start
Sex for fees Schools aret conducive
ationship.
for a serious love rel at Gulu
puberty. Growth hormones lead to
growth of bones. Sex hormones
Boys and girls, be careful. Some , lec tur er cause the deepening of the
Pau l En eku voice, the growth of testes and
gifts, money and job offers come careful
University, says: "Be muscles, and sperm production
with hidden motives. "There is a e co mm itti ng to love
widow who gives me schoolfees,
befor why in boys. In girls, they cause the
or ma rri ag es. Kn ow
scholastic materials and pocket sch oo l." growth of ovaries and breasts and
yo u are at
money. One day, she called me menstruation.
into her bedroom and asked for Be focused. My trousers don't In both
sex. I was shocked. I told her I was
not ready." MD, 15, S2 Katerera
Set priorities fit well, I Wonder sexes,
Comprehensive HS, Bushenyi to avoid whether these are hormones
problems hormones at work! control
Find safe means of getting hair
money for your educaton. growth
(beard,
armpits and
pubic).
COLOUR
PURPLE

Hormones have a
powerful effect on
how we feel. They are
largely responsible
When someone does something you statements. If necessary, repeat them. for sexual attraction
do not want, like forcing you to have Keep eye contact. between males and
sex, say a strong and clear females. Teenagers
Do not be rude to the
NO! Say “I can’t have may experience wildly
offender. Set limits.
sex. I can get pregnant changing moods due
Say: “I can’t come to your
and drop out of school. to hormones. Hang in
WINNERS Don’t touch my
breasts or penis. It
house when you are
alone." Use your body
language.
there!
Dr Paul Semugoma
OF A NOVEL displeases me."
If an elder is
harrassing you
Thank you for the beautiful letters Assertiveness
sexually, tell them
on sexual advances. The best means not

Slang DICTIONARY
politely that they
letters win the novel, The Color being ashamed
must observe your
Purple. WINNERS: or apologizing
rights as a boy
zNatamba Elizabeth and Denis when you
or girl. You will age commonly
Mugabe, Katerera Comprehensive HS need the right
be respected for Slang is a langu
g people.
zWakabi Eric, Kisiki College thing. It means
being serious and spoken by youn
z Okwang Ambrose, S3, Dokolo standing
not ‘easy. Dude - a guy
Progressive SS up for your By Falal Rubanga Chic - a girl
z Mubezi Dan, St John’s Magale values, Faith, Straight Boobs - breasts te
said to congratula
z Mutesi Mariam, Dabani SS beliefs, Talk Foundation Bravo - a word
4 Straight Talk, July 2009
Inspiration:
Success doesn’t come
to you. You go for it.
Dear
STF O. Box
P.P.O. Bo
223 66
x 223A66
L
K AMM P A
K A P A L A
ARVs and sex
Is it true that when you take ARVs
immediately after sex with a girl
who has HIV one cannot contract
the virus? Bila H, St. Stephen SS,
Katakwi
Stephen, doctors do not recommend
that you protect yourself from HIV
in this way. It is an abuse of ARVs
that is dangerous for you and others.
However, yes, ARVs can be used for
PEP, which is given when one comes
in contact with fluids that might
have HIV. For example, if one has
unprotected sex or is pricked by a
needle which contains HIV positive
blood. PEP is not 100% and only
works if you start the ARVs within
72 hours: 72 hours is the maximum.
Do not play around with PEP. It is for
emergencies like accidents and rape.
Money temptation
A boda boda gives me money.
My friends reported me to the
headmaster who punished me. The
man still gives me money. What
can I do? Apayi E, 14, Okufra SS
Dear Emily, your friends wanted to
warn you, and your headmaster beat
you for a reason. The man wants
to befriend you and have sex in
exchange for his money. If you accept
his money, you will fear saying no
to sex, even when you don’t want
it. Don’t accept his money. Gifts just
corrupt you to have sex.
Sperm lifespan
How long does the sperm
stay alive in the vagina
before fertilizing the egg after
Science test
There is a lot of wrong information about growing up, HIV/ STDs. Test how
much you know. Draw diagrams if necessary. Send your completed
QUIZ to PO Box 22366, Kampala.
• How many sperm cells are contained in a single ejaculation?
• Tell us what you know about PEP
• Explain how you would use a condom?
• Explain why teenagers sweat a lot and develop pimples during puberty?
• Describe signs of an STD?
Kisoro Vision Straight Talk club say love is not sex and sex is not love.
ejaculation? Juma W, Kiribari
SS, Iganga.
Dear Juma, immediately after
ejaculation, sperms swim from the
vagina, to the uterus and tubes of
the woman. Sperms can fertilize an
egg up to 3-4 days after ejaculation.
When an egg is released within four
days, pregnancy may occur.
In love with a partner
who has HIV
I love my partner and I do not
want to leave her. We carried
out an HIV test and her results
were HIV positive. What can I
do? Boy, Kitende College Bwera,
Kasese.
From the medical view, you can
marry a partner with HIV when you
are HIV negative. But you have to
ensure that you do not get infected
because HIV/AIDS is an extremely
serious condition, and you will be
the main caretaker of your partner
and the children. Talk to doctors
and HIV counsellors. They will
advise you and your partner to use
condoms. They will also advise you
on how to get a pregnancy without
infecting yourself or the baby.
However, do not rush into marriage.
Marriage is a serious matter,
whatever your HIV status. You are
still a student.
Counselor: Dr. Paul Semugoma
Students of ST. Balukuddembe S. S Mitala Maria Mpigi
Avoid bad peer groups. Concetrate on academics
Fight climate change: Straight Talk Club of St Balikuddembe Mitala Maria in
Mpigi taking care of seedlings in their nursery bed.
PLEASE ADVISE JOSEPH
I was orphaned at the age 10. My parents died of HIV.
They left a big house in my name at Bushenyi town. My uncle wants to
take the house. He says I am HIV positive, although he has not taken me
for HIV testing. My parents left a big farm of crops. I use the money from
the crops for school fees.
Joseph, 18, S2, Katerera Comprehensive School, Bushenyi
ADVICE to Diana’s pal
When my friend’s mother is away, her father brings another
woman in the house. The father pays my friend not to tell her
mother. The father has promised her hell on earth if she ever tells
her mother. Diana, 14, S2, Tororo Girls
Diana’s friend should tell her mother. If the father is infected
with HIV and other STDs, he will pass them to the mother
and both parents may die. Let her give the money that
the father donates to her to her mother. The mother
should lay an ambush. She should pretend to go on a
long trip and return unexpectedly. She will catch them.
Nakanuagi M, Gayaza HS, Wakiso
Diana’s friend should convince the mother to go for
an HIV test. She should also tell her that they are facing
problems at home while she is away. This will send a
message to her. Macheme Stephen, Muterere SS,
Bugiri
A whole father who should advise the daughter
misbehaves! Diana’s friend should not be a afraid.
She should explain to him the consequences of
what he is doing. If he gets infected with HIV,
who will care for his children. He may change.
Musema Mambo Mansur. Daystar SS,
Koboko
Diana’s friend should not be intimidated by
her father. She should ask for help from elders,
teachers and relatives. The elders will guarantee
her security in case her father sends her away.
She should not accept bribes from her father.
In case the father is infected with HIV, he will
infect the mother. Omirambe W, Bishop
Cyprian Kihangire SS, Kampala.
We got letters from
51 straight talkers.
YOU ALL WIN
ST CAPS, PENS
STRAIGHT TALK FOUNDATION
Plot 4 Acacia Avenue, Kololo, P. O. Box 22366, Tel: 0312-262030/1 Kampala (U),
E-mail: strtalk@straight-talk.or.ug, Web: www.straight-talk.or.ug, President: C. Watson,
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Funded by DANIDA, DFID, SIDA, Printer: The New Vision