Ukrainians Put a Face on HIV
Antonina works as a press-secretary in the Cherkasy regional department of the All-Ukrainian Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH), where Oleksandr works as a social worker. Four years ago, each learned that they were HIV-positive. Unlike many infected people, Oleksandr and Antonina chose not to hide their HIV status.
In the educational documentary film, “HIV: the Right for Life,” recently released by the Coalition of Youth NGOs “Moloda Cherkaschyna” as a part of USAID-supported project “Let’s Overcome Discrimination Together,” Oleksandr and Antonina speak on camera about living with HIV—no silhouettes, no shadows and no covered faces. They talk openly about their work, and share their feelings and dreams. By revealing their faces, they take a dramatic step forward in asserting their right to be treated humanely and with dignity. The piece also challenges the viewer to consider taking a step toward opening their hearts to those with HIV.
The film features Cherkasy residents who were asked about their readiness to express themselves openly in discussions with the HIV-positive people as they would do with others. Some said they felt sorry for those with HIV. Others voiced quite provocative and ambiguous statements, such as proposing to relocate people living with HIV/AIDS to isolated reservations.
The documentary, the first such video on HIV/AIDS in Cherkasy Oblast, was shown on local television and used as instructive material for working with youth, teachers and medical personnel.
A survey revealed that after viewing the film, 65 percent of young people reported that it had improved their attitude toward people with HIV; only 2 percent reported that their negative attitude remained unchanged.
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Oleksandr and Antonina, employees of Cherkasy regional department of the All-Ukrainian Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS
Photo Credit: Viktoria Feofilova |
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