Latest about HIV and AIDS: What Every Student Still Needs to Know

Awards

CINE Special Jury Award

CINE Golden Eagle

Reviews

Highly Recommended The Latest About HIV and AIDS: What Every Student Still Needs to Know provides viewers, especially teens, clear, concise, and updated information on HIV and AIDS. Basics are also covered, such as What is HIV, and What is AIDS early in the video. Those living with and affected by HIV and AIDS weave in and out of the narration. Their stories are never presented to scare or to overly emote, but merely to inform teens on a personal basis. The information is segmented logically. Examples are Who Can Get Infected with HIV, Risky Behaviors, and Behaviors That Are Not Risky. The tone remains serious throughout, but never preachy. Producers wisely avoid that immediate teen turn off. Animations illustrate in an adult and realistic manner. New and successful treatments are described accurately. Viewers are warned not to be complacent about their actions because AIDS is no longer an inevitable death sentence. Like the best of young adult fiction, The Latest About HIV and AIDS: What Every Student Still Needs to Know gives all audiences a universal message that will appeal to all. Included on the disc is a PDF Teacher’s Resource Book, and short animated instructions on the correct use of both male and female condoms. These can be viewed, or not, as appropriate. A highly recommended purchase for all library collections.

- Gerald Notaro, University Librarian, Nelson Poynter Memorial Library, University of South Florida, St. Petersburg
Educational Media Reviews Online (EMRO)

This informative, comprehensive film explains how HIV is transmitted and can lead to AIDS, debunks myths, and explains behaviors that put people at risk for infection. Diverse, well-spoken HIV-positive teenagers and young adults tell their moving stories throughout the program. There are also scientific and medical explanations of how the disease enters and develops in the body. Graphics make complex concepts accessible. The film covers the risky behaviors for contracting the virus (as well as low-risk behaviors) and provides a detailed exploration of the testing process. There is information about the difference between "confidential" and "anonymous" testing, and a list of questions teens should ask a testing site about parental involvement and access to medical records. While cautioning young people that HIV/AIDS is a devastating disease that can be prevented, the film also stresses that infected individuals can thrive. The experts featured—from clinic directors to HIV counselors—are well-spoken and communicate clearly and without condescension. This well-made, informative production would be an asset in middle and high school health curriculums.

- Jess deCourcy Hinds, Bard High School Early College Queens, Long Island City, NY
School Library Journal

Starred Review Despite new medical treatments, there is still no cure or vaccine for AIDS. This excellent program introduces HIV and AIDs, including testing, treatment, risk-factors, myths, and more. Two teen hosts explain terminology and introduce segments, including What Is AIDS?, Who Can Get Infected with AIDs?, Risky Behaviors, among others. Crisp computer animation shows how the virus invades cells and weakens the immune system. Filmed in various settings, four HIV-positive young adults tell their stories, while health professionals stress the importance of using condoms, avoiding risky behaviors, and getting tested when necessary. The teen hosts summarize the information, continually emphasizing that despite medical advances, AIDS is still a serious medical condition. Viewers will empathize with HIV-positive young adults, all of whom tell of initial feelings of isolation and loneliness. The message that HIV-positive people need compassion and support comes through loud and clear. This short program covers a lot of ground in a succinct, professional manner that will not turn off the intended teen audience. Includes a PDF teachers' guide and two supplemental programs, How to Use a Female Condom and How to Use a Male Condom, both of which feature simple animated black-and-white line drawings.

- Debra McLeod
Booklist