Save Toolkit
This toolkit systematically tackles the stigma, shame, denial, discrimination, inaction and misaction around HIV and AIDS, and comprehensively gives information related to HIV and methods of HIV transmission and how to mitigate these.
The SAVE Prevention Model
S
Refers to safer practices covering all the different modes of HIV trans-mission, for example, blood transfusions, the use of condoms, or sterile needles for injecting. Abstinence remains the most reliable method of avoiding exposure to STIs, but it must not be taught in isolation.
A
Refers to access to treatment not just Antiretroviral treatment (ART), but treatment for HIV-related infections as well as the provision of good nutrition to help adherence to ART, and clean water. It also refers to the need for all available pathological tests which can further inform treatment.
V
E
Refers to empowerment through education and advocacy. Stigma, shame, denial, discrimination, inaction and misaction associated with HIV remain massive challenges to the uptake of services associated with HIV, and get in the way of PLHIV living productive and healthy lives within their communities and countries. This is why empowerment remains a vital component of all HIV work. People need accurate information about HIV to make informed decisions and to protect themselves, their partners and their children from HIV. Empowered people are able to challenge the stigma and discrimination that can make the lives of people with HIV so difficult.
HIV is about life, not just death! This toolkit makes the transition.
“INERELA+ has once again reached beyond conventional HIV responses to provide individuals with the tools necessary to challenge all structural drivers of the epidemic. The SAVE Toolkit is remarkably candid exploring shame, intolerance, fear and sexuality, issues that many cultures still consider taboo. The toolkit appeals to religious leaders and HIV practitioners alike, sparking a more harmonised involvement in response to HIV.”
Nina O’Farrell, Head of Community Health and HIV, Christian Aid
Toolkit Introduction
There are many resources today on HIV responses for trainers and individuals. What makes this toolkit different? Why is it written for leaders within faith communities and broader society to engage in responses to HIV together? In answer to the first question, most materials on HIV prevention ignore or underplay the impact of stigma, shame, denial, discrimination, inaction and misaction (SSDDIM). There is an assumption that if people are given the appropriate scientific knowledge, these issues will diminish. People responding to HIV at the forefront of the pandemic will attest that this mentality is false. The toolkit highlights aspects of SSDDIM. Action founded in prayer and meditation, to challenge stigma and address the impact of stigma, is a core component of the training.