Central and South America: Jamaica
Red Cross HIV/AIDS anti–stigma campaign launched
A national campaign by the Jamaican Red Cross to reduce the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS has started recently. It is to be carried out with funds from the United States Ambassador’s Fund and seeks to educate the population about HIV/AIDS as well as to improve access to treatment.
The aim is to reduce the discrimination experienced by people with the virus, so that they can lead normal lives with access to resources, such as education and health. As part of its education sessions, Red Cross staff will offer HIV tests, demonstrate safe sex techniques, and inform the public about the transmission of HIV and the stigma attached to it.
Through the campaign, the Red Cross hopes to get more people tested for the virus because it says there are 25,000 people who are presumed to have HIV but some 15,000 do not know their status. In addition, because of the discrimination, the Red Cross says that there are many who know their status, but are afraid to get the medical attention they need, whether through home based care or medication.
The campaign has started in Manchester and will move on to 14 more communities later on in the year.
For further information visit the Jamaican Ministry of Health website at: www.moh.gov.jm
BACK TO CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA NEWS ARCHIVE 2007
Handy guide to wellbeing series | One-worldmentalhealth.org
One-worldhealthblog | Communicatormentalhealth.org online and magazine UKhealthblog | EUhealthnews.eu [service starts soon] | EUhealthblog
Mind+body wellbeing | Government policy | Economics | Work and training | Education | Age | Families | Caregiving | Nutrition | Exercise | Housing | Poverty | Abuse | Human rights | Prisons | War | Transport
