Christians urged to enlist in fight against HIV/AIDS

By Pauline Waruguru
Nevis Reporter, SKNVibes.com

Nicole Liburd

Liburd told members of the Anglican Church community, who had gathered at a unity service held to mark Advent Sunday, that as they reflect on the theme of “Keep the Promise, Lead, Empower, Deliver” they should also think about how they have contributed to the HIV/AIDS Campaign.

“It is not only the political directorate that we should look to for leadership with regard to investment in HIV/AIDS prevention care, treatment and support,” Liburd said.
 
“Have you led by example and treated persons with HIV with love and respect instead of shunning them? Have you educated yourself about the disease so you can ensure you take measures to prevent yourself and your family from contracting it? What about going the extra mile and using your position in the church, whether it be Sunday school teacher or youth leader to educate your charges on the disease?” she asked.

She noted that knowledge was power and knowing the HIV status was important to individuals as well as their families.

Liburd said the strength of individuals and communities was a critical element if the HIV/AIDS epidemic was to be halted.

“Issues of poverty, for example, have a real presence in our society whether we choose to admit it or not. Arming members of our communities with the skills needed to demand self respect and pursue educational opportunities are also our responsibility.

Youth choir during the advent service

“Due to the varying modes of transmission of the virus, none of us can be sure whether we will be counted in the statistics one day. Let us therefore work together to ensure that we live our lives as educated, loving, kind and non-judgmental human beings as we tackle this disease which can have a devastating effect on our society,” she added.
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According to UNAIDS statistics, over 33 million persons are estimated to be living with the virus. Two million of these are children. More than 25 million lives have been claimed by the disease since 1981.

In 2007, the Caribbean contributed to 20,000 of the 33 million persons living with the virus. With 1.1 percent of the adult population infected, the Caribbean is second only to Sub Saharan Africa in terms of the number of persons infected with the virus.

Liburd said despite Nevis’s small population and geographical area, the island has been impacted by the virus and the first case was diagnosed in 1987. Since then an additional 58 cases have been diagnosed bringing the cumulative total to 59. The majority of those infected are between 20-49 years of age, but cases have also been identified in the 1-19 and 65 and over age ranges.

“The number 59 may seem insignificant compared to the thousands that have tested positive in Jamaica for example, but these numbers do not include persons who get tested in neighbouring islands including St. Kitts, St. Maarten and Puerto Rico. We must also recognize that two or three of the persons who transmit HIV are not aware of their status,” Liburd said.

The overall purpose of the World AIDS Campaign from 2005 to 2010 is to ensure that leaders and decision makers deliver on their promises on AIDS, including the provision of Universal Access to Treatment, Care, Support and Prevention services by 2010. Within that five-year mission, annual campaigning themes are selected which are timely, relevant and adaptable to a number of different regions and issues. ~~Adz:Left~~