Children, adults march for HIV/AIDS Awareness

By Melissa Bryant
Reporter-SKNVibes.com

~~Adz:Left~~ BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – AS part of an ongoing effort to foster community consciousness of HIV/AIDS, the Ministry of Health held its annual Aids March on Friday (Nov. 27).

The march, which began at the tamarind tree in Greenlands and ended with music and balloon dedications in front of Shoreline Plaza on the Bay Road, drew scores of office workers from the tedium of their professional environment to the lively atmosphere engendered by the activity.

Students from the nation’s various primary schools were out in full force, proudly carrying banners that denoted their school’s logos. Representatives from the Ministry of Health were also among the marchers, as were the six young beauties vying for the 2008/09 National Carnival Queen’s title.

Drummers from the St. Kitts Seventh Day Adventist organisation and the St. Kitts-Nevis Defence Force Drums Corps as well as several sound systems accompanied marchers and provided up-tempo beats that energised the crowd.

Permanent Secretary in the Health Ministry Elvis Newton noted that this year’s march was well-supported, particularly by the young persons his Ministry was aiming to target. According to Newton, plans are underway to integrate HIV/AIDS teaching into the Family Life subject taught to secondary school students.

He revealed that the ultimate goal is to have a comprehensive programme that centres on healthy living, proper nutrition and physical activity.

“What we realised was that even if people are given the relevant information they don’t necessarily change their behaviour.

“There has been an increase in the number of persons who have tested positive for the disease. That’s why we have modified our message to focus specifically on youth as it may be easier for them to develop the proper attitude about HIV and AIDS,” he said.

He also stated that the Ministry would broadcast this message in a multi-dimensional approach, revealing the four main areas of concentration.

“The first thing everyone must do is to know their status. Go and get yourself tested. If you’ve been abstaining then continue to do so. If you are sexually active then use condoms for each encounter and remain faithful to one partner. These are the most effective ways of ensuring that you do not contract HIV/AIDS,” he stressed.

Other activities planned in acknowledgment of World Aids Day on Friday, December 5 include a National Testing Day and outreach programmes in schools.