(Most Ukrainians are informed enough to understand that HIV-positive people are no danger to them, although there are still some people who think that even casual contacts with such people can be harmful.)

 

Nina Kostiuk,
caretaker

“Of course HIV-positive people are dangerous. This is a serious disease and it can be passed [on] anyway. I know it can be passed through the sexual contacts. I have two sons and they can get it. I always warn them and ask them to use condoms, although I don’t think we should avoid such people. It is not their fault they got this disease and it can happen to everyone.”

 

 

Yana Batistova,
medical worker

“HIV-positive people can be a danger if you are involved in sex relations with them, but if you are not – there is absolutely no danger. I know this for sure.”

 

Volodymyr Tarnovskyi,
unemployed

“I don’t think these people are dangerous for me and I am absolutely sure we shouldn’t stay away from them. Just don’t take drugs, use condoms during sex and you are protected.”

 

Mykola Tkachenko,
electrician

“I don’t think that people with HIV are dangerous. I just feel very sorry about them and I am even sorrier that our authorities don’t even try to help them or at least make their life easier.”

 

Oleksiy Konstan­tinov,
student

“AIDS doesn’t spread in everyday life, during everyday activities. You can’t get infected in the public transport or through the handshake, so I believe HIV-positive people should live normal life and there is no reason to think they are dangerous.”

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