Tobago Daily: HIV

Showing posts with label HIV. Show all posts

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

AIDS on the Rise in Tobago.

AIDS WALK: Tobago House of Assembly (THA) Chief Secretary Orville London,
centre, and Health Secretary Claudia Groome-Duke,
left, participate in the symbolic candle lighting in remembrance of those
who died from HIV/AIDS during the Assembly’s
12th annual HIV/AIDS awareness walk at Bon Accord in Tobago yesterday.
—Photo: ELIZABETH WILLIAMS

The number of people infected with HIV/AIDS in Tobago is on the rise.

This was confirmed yesterday during the 12th annual walk held by Friends of the Tobago Aids Society (FOTAS).

President of FOTAS Marcia Washington-Frank told the Express the age of infection in Tobago is from 14 years and upwards, as persons are becoming careless. THA Chief Secretary Orville London speaking to those gathered at the Store Bay Beach Facilities following the walk, said the journey must both be a literal and figurative one.

Tobago Be HIV Smart This Carnival

In less than one week our entire country would be in full "free up" mode. Carnival is known as a time which celebrates with whine and jam, revelry, and high levels of consumption of alcohol. As such, this season is categorized and known as a high-risk period for transmission of sexually transmitted diseases, however, there is little education and awareness on the prevention of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases prevention during this time of the year.

At this time of year, emphasis should be placed on behavior modification programmes. Society have accepted many lax conduct for carnival and as this behavior become coupled with the increase consumption of alcohol, many persons may be prone to making irrational decisions with dire consequences to their lives.

As we prepare to revel,drink, dance and let loose our selves let us be HIV smart. The battle agaisnt HIV is every ongoing and sometimes society's activities may work counter to the efforts that we make. Remember abstinence is the key to zero cases of infection, but if you may engage in sexual activities use a condom.

Remember Prevention is better than Cure.

Tips to remember

•Always walk with your own condoms

•Know your limit with alcohol and other substances
•Reduce your risk- no need to go all the way.
•Keep to your partner
•Get tested regularly
•Know your rights

For more information, contact Red Initiatives at redtnt@gmail.com or call 687-6536, 301-0690 or 664-1863.

Monday, July 2, 2012

HIV and Tobago, The Recovery.

It has been almost 30 years since the dreadful discovery of the global epidemic HIV. Over 30 million people around the world have literary fell victim to its cold, unmerciful hands. However, amid the darkness of this curse comes a beacon of hope. Last week, the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) boasted of an 85 percent drop in the HIV mortality rate for Tobago and a 70 percent decrease in the cases of hospitalization due to this virus. A revelation aptly timed and welcoming, one which stands as a glimmer of hope for a small Island terrorized by the Swiss native Simona Fricker. But even as Tobago continues its up hill battle to recovery, the THA should spare no resource in spreading the message of prevention. All effort should be aimed at aggressive education so as to curtail the engagement of persons in risky behaviors.

Further, HIV awareness stations, equipped with a HIV Task-force should be placed at key social meeting venues, as there is the proliferation of parties, fetes, all inclusives, pool limes and the like, which are seemingly and subtly becoming entwined in our culture, the impact of which can only be negative and erode the successes which have already been made.

So as we dream of a Tobago without HIV/AIDS, let us not become complacent in our efforts to rid this island of this 21 century plague. Let the people be reminded that HIV have not gone away but has only been reduced and that we the people must consciously expend effort and time so as to effect a zero percent in cases of new infections. Let us as an Island continue to proactively take measures which would lend to a drastic reduction in, and an eventual end to the spread of HIV/AIDS.

Pages