challenges people around the world, to contemplate the long term repercussions of the AIDS pandemic. It focuses on young persons under the age of 18. The United Nations Convention of the "Rights of the Child'', defines a child as a human being below the age of 18 years. Children are not helpless in a world with AIDS. They are our most precious resources for change. In a world with AIDS, give children hope -- for: Increased and improved access to quality education and relevant information on the prevention and care of HIV/AIDS for children, their families and communities.

*** I wish to address at this time the issue of "Talking about HIV/AIDS.'' Talking about HIV/AIDS can often be difficult and uncomfortable, because it requires talking about issues such as sex and drugs.

Here are some tips for parents while talking with your child about HIV/AIDS.

Tips for Parents: Starting the discussion: Ask them what they are learning about HIV/AIDS in health science or any other class.

Start a conversation about choices and consequences, point out that every choice has both negative and positive consequences and that youth have control over and must take responsibility for their decisions.

Look at newspapers, magazines, radio and television shows for stories and ads dealing with the infection or disease. Use this opportunity to start a dialogue about risky behaviours and HIV/AIDS.

Events such as AIDS walks, benefits or information fairs, can serve as conversation starters.

Bring home a movie/video that deals with HIV/AIDS (such as Magic Johnson's educational video) and watch it with your kids. Call the Health Department for more films/videos.

*** Do's and Don'ts: Do: Respect your children's privacy its the best way to make them feel comfortable sharing their concerns or interests with you.

Do: Teach your children about how HIV is and is not spread and how they can protect themselves from infection.

Do: Inform your children that they can avoid getting HIV by making health decisions.

Do: Reassure them that just because you want to discuss the topic of HIV/AIDS, you do not assume that they are having sex or taking drugs.

Do: Teach your children that discrimination against people with HIV/AIDS is wrong.

Don't: Speak to your children in a condescending tone. They are more likely to be responsible if they believe that you trust them.

Don't: Lecture or be judgmental! The last thing you want to do is get them to open up and then make them feel uncomfortable so that they never want to share anything with you again. Let them know, you will always be there for them.

Don't: Be discouraged if your attempt at a conversation about HIV/AIDS is cut short. If the first few conversations are interrupted, try again at another time with a new approach. HIV/AIDS is too important a subject to give up quickly.

Don't: Let HIV/AIDS be an isolated issue. Include AIDS, whenever you talk about sexuality, love, drugs, friendship, health and other related topics.

Don't: Be ashamed to reach out to other resources if you are still uncomfortable about this discussion.

For more suggestions or just for support, you may contact the Health Department by calling 292-6777, 292-1241, 236-0224 ext 239.

If you start the dialogue about HIV/AIDS now, you can help your children understand the issues involved and make informed decisions throughout a lifetime.

Source: American Association for World Health Give Children Hope in a World with AIDS WORLD AIDS DAY 1997.

Gaylia Landry Public Health Charge Nurse Coordinator for the HIV/AIDS programme.

HEALTH AND SOCIAL ISSUES HTH