Heavy on HIV/AIDS Prevention for Carnival

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You & Your Family

Thursday, 26 July 2012 02:30

By D Francis

Antigua St. John’s – “We are going heavy on the prevention aspect of the HIV/AIDS campaign during the carnival celebrations.”

The assurance comes from Deputy AIDS Programme Manager Sonia Joseph as the countdown to the official start Carnival is mere days away.
 
She told caribarena.com that the AIDS Secretariat is working closely with its partners, including the Caribbean HIV/AIDS Alliance, to put packages together to share with mas’ troupes, patrons of the dances at Lions, and they are also looking at the shows at Carnival city to distribute packages which will contain condoms.
 

She noted: “We are focusing on the prevention; prevention all the way. We are still promoting the theme that was in place since World AIDS Day – Zero prevention, zero stigma and discrimination and zero deaths. As you may have known, we’ve partnered with Scotiabank in our campaigns and this year, as in the past, they’ll be sponsoring a float during the parade.”
 
Joseph said although the economic downturn has somewhat impacted their programme, they are very much committed to continue to reach the public with the message of “prevention”, the best way they can.
 
Asked about a specific message she would like to share with Carnival revelers in particular, she said “the same thing we’ve been preaching year in, year out, just as we say ‘don’t drink and drive, don’t drink and sex, don’t smoke and sex’-- if you are under the influence of any substance that impairs your level of thinking and decision-making, it could throw things off during sex. I mean, you may have a condom in your possession but you may not even remember to use it if you’re are under the influence and when you catch yourself, it may be too late.”
 
Also, she added, “Don’t engage in casual sex; avoid strange sexual encounters. You know, at Carnival time, a lot of temptations present themselves, but you should have certain principles that you live by and avoid falling by the way during this time. And young people, please, please ‘have your head on’ as they say. Remember your whole future is ahead of you, everyone for that matter. Please protect yourself at all times, no matter what.”
 
Joseph said although the management of the disease has drastically improved compared to the 80s and 90s when more people were dying, it is not a “green light” to live carefree.
 
Statistics from the AIDS Secretariat show that there were 70 new cases of HIV infections reported in 2010, and 32 in 2011.
 
Regarding HIV/AIDS related deaths, in 2010 there were eight deaths - one female and seven males, and 15 deaths – 14 males and one female in 2011.
 

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Joseph said, generally speaking, the trend in people’s approach to the disease is changing, whereby more people are coming forward for testing; they are more aware of the disease and are more likely to take precaution.
 
She added that a nagging concern, however, is that some people have started using condoms in the infancy stage of their relationships, but are abandoning the practice as it progresses, as early as three months in some cases.
 

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