by Orita | January 15th, 2008
In December 2007, the National AIDS Secretariat held a two-day workshop targeted at the youth of the Federation. Under the theme “Keep the Promise, Stop HIV/AIDS”. Activities in 2008 will focus on individual responsibility for protecting ourselves and “Respect I: My Life, My Rights, My Choice” is the banner under which activities will be promoted.
The Caribbean is the second most affected region by HIV/AIDS in the world. Statistics taken at the end of 2003 by the United Nations Populations Fund (UNFPA) reported that young people between the ages of 15-24 made up 1% of those infected in the Caribbean region (UNFPA, 2005). An alarming statistic, which implies major socio-economic challenges in the future
“Despite education and apparent communication efforts by governments throughout the Caribbean region, studies have shown that being provided with information alone did not equate to positive behavioural practices or constant condom use. Given the increasing rates of sexually transmitted diseases and HIV infection, especially amongst the youth, there is a need to concentrate on strategic risk behaviour change interventions to curb the
incidence rate within the region,” said Carmeta Douglin, Regional HIV/AIDS Officer.
Behavioural change communication goes above and beyond providing basic information. It seeks to stimulate dialogue, promote advocacy, reduce stigma and discrimination, and promote services for treatment, care, and support, in such a way that appeals to the mind and emotions of each and every individual, to encourage behavioural change and help to create a supportive environment.
The workshop, held in conjunction with UNFPA’s regional office, centered on UNFPA’s regional Strategy For Youth Around Behavioural Change. UNFPA then works with national organisations and youth to develop and implement that strategy at the national level and within a national context where youth are able to provide much valuable local information of their own experiences.
Behavioural Change Communicators from the region facilitated the two-day workshop and worked with youth from a wide cross-section of the community, including, church groups, youth groups, schools, youth workers, and young people from various communities. All had an opportunity to present their views on ways in which they could exemplify the theme of the year, “Respect I: My Life, My Rights, My Choice.”
Kittivisian Life spoke to several participants of the workshop and reports on their experience.
DF – Newton Ground, St. Kitts – I feel more empowered to share the information on protecting myself and being responsible with my peers at college and in the community. The way the information was relayed was easy to take on board; you didn’t feel embarrassed.
OW – Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College St. Kitts – I feel more confident about sharing the knowledge gained today, I learned about the female condom and how to use it; I felt empowered to know that I have options when deciding what protection to use.
PW – Nevis – I learned a lot of new information, especially how behaviour changes our communities and was surprised by some of the statistical data; the statistics made the most impact on me. We have to get the message across if we are to protect each other.
AP – Youth Leader – What surprised me was to learn of the number of teenagers who are having unprotected sex but who seem unaware of the dangers. As a Christian, the safest sex is to abstain from sex.
These young people and many others are now equipped to go into their communities and articulate the message of “Respect I: My Life, My Rights, My Choice.”
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