Malaysia Sun
3rd Feb 2008
A report in Singapore has shown basic facts about HIV and AIDS, are not being understood.
Despite years of public awareness campaigns, one-third of respondents to a World Vision survey mistakenly believed the virus can be spread through mosquito bites and kissing.
More than half of the 705 respondents were unaware that HIV can be spread through breastfeeding.
The results showed a mistrust of those with HIV and AIDS, with half those surveyed saying they would be uncomfortable around someone with the disease.
Most knew sharing food cannot spread the virus, but more than half said they would hesitate to have a meal with someone who was HIV positive.
One out of 11 said they would shy away from taking an HIV/AIDS test even if they knew they might have the disease.
World Vision officials, however, were encouraged that more than 80 percent of the respondents knew they could prevent HIV transmission by using a condom.
http://story.malaysiasun.com/index.php/ct/9/cid/b8de8e630faf3631/id/323964/cs/1/
