Govt to open HIV/AIDS support facility in Moruga

THE Ministry of Community Development and Gender Affairs plans to open an HIV/AIDS Education and Support facility in Moruga as a pilot project to determine future action in conformity with Government’s five-year National Strategic Plan to prevent and control the spread of HIV/AIDS in the country. In anticipation of this facility, a graduation ceremony took place yesterday at Moruga Composite School, Basseterre Village, Moruga, for 40 participants in its HIV/AIDS Education and Prevention Training Programme for women in rural communities.

The feature address was given by Minister of Community Development, Culture and Gender Affairs Joan Yuille-Williams. In a media release, the Ministry said the training programme focused on character building, self development, exploration and clarifying of values, understanding human sexuality, gender relations, communication, parenting, risk reduction, conflict management and decision making skills. The HIV/AIDS Support Facility will be located at Basseterre Community Centre and serve 4,810 residents of Marac, La Lune, Gran Chamin and Basseterre. There will also be outreach programmes to accommodate residents from neighbouring villages who are unable to access the service directly from the new facility.

Moruga was selected for the pilot based on certain socio-economic factors associated with the transmission of HIV/AIDS. These include poverty and high unemployment, particularly among young adults. The 40 beneficiaries of the course are expected to use their acquired skills to meet the objectives of the HIV/AIDS facility, which will include the empowerment of members of the community to live healthy lifestyles and show compassion for People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs). The Ministry said PLWHAs will be reassured “that all efforts would be made to provide a supportive, private and confidential environment.”