Nevis HIV/AIDS Coordinating Unit hosts Red Ribbon Lighting Ceremony
By Pauline Waruguru
Nevis Reporter, SKNVibes.com
CHARLESTOWN, Nevis – IN its continued effort to sensitise people of the dangers of HIV/AIDS, the Nevis HIV/AIDS Coordinating Unit hosted a number of activities with the most recent being a solemn Red Ribbon Lighting Ceremony held at the Bypass Road in the vicinity of Pinney’s Industrial Site on Monday, December 1.
Nevis HIV/AIDS Coordinating Unit’s Surveillance Officer Shana Howell told participants that the event was organised to remember those who died from AIDS, those living with HIV/AIDS and to reclaim the goal that future generations would not face the disease without a cure.
The theme for this year’s 20th Anniversary of World AIDS Day is “Stop AIDS, Keep The Promise – Lead- Empower- Deliver”.
Howell called on individuals to lead in the fight against the AIDS pandemic by doing all within their reach to eliminate its threat. She said one of ways that individuals could combat AIDS is to empower themselves and help empower others so that they could make the right decisions to protect themselves and others from contracting and spreading the disease. She also called on well wishers to contribute resources to help fight the pandemic.
“The Red Ribbon is very significant in the fight against HIV/AIDS because it is a symbol of solidarity of people living with HIV/AIDS. It was created by the New York-based Visual AIDS Artists Caucus in 1991 as a visual symbol to demonstrate compassion for people living with AIDS and their caregivers. The colour red was chosen for its “connection to blood and the idea of passion not only angers, but loves”. 
Howell said the Caribbean is home to 230 000 persons living with HIV/AIDS. She also noted that 14 000 persons in the Caribbean died due to AIDS in 2007.
“Condoms, access to treatment, waiting longer to have sex, being faithful, reducing multiple partners, ensuring human rights and reducing stigma are essential parts of prevention that we must pay attention to, to keep these numbers from increasing,” Howell advised the gathering.
She said the Red Ribbon continues to be a powerful force in the fight to increase public awareness of HIV/AIDS and in the lobbying efforts to increase funding for AIDS services and research.
“By lighting this ribbon, it is our aim to show the world that we take the fight against HIV seriously. We will not hide from the task ahead but shine a light on it in hopes that this light will show us the way to putting an end to this disease.”
~~Adz:Left~~
