This document discusses positive prevention efforts in Serbia. It describes how stigma and discrimination against HIV-positive individuals increased in Serbia following economic crisis in the 1990s. More recently, associations have worked to empower and support people living with HIV through positive prevention programs. These programs aim to promote overall well-being, healthy relationships, and reducing new HIV infections through education on topics like safer sex practices, nutrition, and disclosure. Evaluations found these programs strengthened the role of HIV-positive community activists and provided representation in relevant policy bodies.

1. Positive prevention in Serbia
Presenter: Laslo Šili
Association “ Attitude +” Subotica
www.stavplus.org

2. Background of this story is:
Serbia where along with the
increased number of infections the
stigma and discrimination increased
too.
Serbia failure in the 90 was :
-Fight against HIV epidemic was
pushed to the margins,
- The country faced a severe socio-
economic crisis, wars, etc.

3. Background:
Recently started training with the
topic of positive prevention,
Many people do not even know
what that term means.
The good news is :
The society recognized the issues of
HIV as a wider social problem.

4. What kind of methods we use?
Involvement of PLHIV response to HIV
pandemic in Serbia.
-strengthen the PLHIV activists
In Serbia established PLHIV associations
which works on programs:
- psychosocial support to PLHIV,
- public policy issues and in the field of
positive prevention.

5. Methods:
Positive Prevention program aim is:
• empower individuals,
• promote healthy relationships with
sexual partners,
• strengthen the overall well-being of
HIV positive individuals,
• reduce the possibility of new HIV and
other sexually transmitted infections.
• program addresses the various health
needs.

6. Methods :
The program addresses the various health
needs such as:
•disclosure,
•self-esteem,
•negotiating and practicing safer sex,
•diet,
•nutrition and
•transmission risks.
The program aim is:
Support and resources on common issues.

7. What kind of results we get?
• Strength and usefulness of the role of
PLHIV in the response to HIV
• Existence and decentralized
organizations
• Work on public policy issues related to
HIV and in the field of positive
prevention
• PLHIV community have
representatives in all relevant bodies
for rights and status of PLHIV.

8. What kind of results we get?
Main activities of organizations is:
provide educational workshops,
various areas of positive prevention,
promoting safer sex practices, and
improving overall well-being.
Covering topics such as:
 transmission,
 serosorting,
 serodiscordant couples,
 physical activity, and nutrition,
 Implemented trainings for PLHIV
 great opportunity to learn how to deliver education sessions and
facilitate workshops.

9. Meaning of positive prevention:
Positive Prevention is more than just preventing
tool.
•it's about maintaining and improving overall
health
The positive prevention program is more than
useful ! It has ability to:
Emotional fulfilling,
sexual relationships and to live well with
HIVAIDS.
Emphasizes the importance of own health
management .
The program gives :
information, tools, skills, interaction, shared
experiences and possible solution.

10. My personal opinion is:
We need to learn more!
The basic task of every one is to
understand the meaning of positive
prevention.
To understand the benefit they can get
and the purpose of this entire struggle!

11. The real benefits of positive prevention is:
• Greater involvement to your community.
• Increased support.
• Confidence building skills.
• Ability to construct and maintain healthier
boundaries.
• Increased understanding of HIV & AIDS, STIs,
and Hepatitis transmission.
• Enhanced self-esteem.
• Decision-making skills.
• Improved skills in negotiating safer sex
practices.
• Social networks.
• Knowledge about how to live WELL with HIV.

12. CONCLUSION:
We need a lot more time to promote :
• PLHIV community on the global level,
• greater involvement in all matters
relating to prevention,
• care and treatment ,
• as well as the creation or rewriting of
laws
• resolving the rights and status of PLHIV
• reducing the stigma and discrimination
• greater involvement in social life.

13. THANK YOU
    
Association “ Attitude +” Subotica
www.stavplus.org
office@stavplus.org