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New Book Shatters HIV Stigma for Kids
29 Apr
Summary
- A new children's book launched to destigmatize HIV.
- The book features a mixed heritage family and addresses sibling differences.
- It aims to inspire conversations and combat misinformation about HIV.
A new children's book has been released to help destigmatize HIV and support children living with the condition. Illustrated by Jasmine Thompson and written by Katie Warburton in collaboration with children from the Bristol-based charity Chiva, the book is titled 'Grace, Gigi and HIV.' It is now accessible in HIV centers across the UK.
Thompson described the project as meaningful and purposeful, expressing hope that it will make children from all backgrounds feel represented. The story follows Grace, a girl with HIV, her family, and her parakeet Gigi, intentionally portraying a mixed heritage dynamic to show diverse family structures. Siblings in the book are depicted with differing HIV statuses to further normalize the experience.
The book aims to shift perceptions about life with HIV. Warburton, a children's nurse, stated that the narrative draws from shared experiences of parents and children, emphasizing the importance of co-creation. It addresses potential challenges for children with chronic conditions, such as hospital appointments and blood tests. Digital copies will be released in May, with physical copies available from the charity or treatment centers.
