Stop HIV from making mas

As the Carnival season moves towards its climax next week, the Caribbean Epidemiology Centre, (CAREC) Special Programme on Sexually Transmitted Infections (SPSTI) is reminding the public to ‘Stop HIV from making mas’.

This is the theme which CAREC has chosen for its information, education and communication Carnival campaign which was launched yesterday at SPSTI offices at Alexandra Street. It seeks to prevent  the spread of HIV, the virus which causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Other sub-themes for the campaign are: ‘Play it Safe,’ ‘Protect Yourself’. To reach as many people as possible, CAREC has enlisted the support of masmen, panmen, fete promoters and non-governmental organsations in the campaign to distribute 60,000 condoms.   Other aspects of the campaign involve the dissemination of the messages via 20,000 bandanas, 100,000 sun visors and electronic billboards at Beetham Highway (near VEMCOTT), City Gate and the Airport Terminal.

CAREC Information Advisor, Jones P Madeira said the Airports Authority will be distributing bandanas and condoms to visitors to TT.
He said CAREC’s message is abstinence, but if people were sexually active they should protect themselves. Madeira said with the drugs, music and joie de Vivre of Carnival, the “opportunity for HIV infection becomes greater”. A 30-second public service announcement developed by the late Jeffery Stanford, in collaboration with Earth TV, Artists Against AIDS and CAREC will be aired on television. Speaking at the launch at SPSTI’s offices, Alexandra Street, Head of the Programme Dr Bilali Camara said culture must be taken into consideration as it is an important part of human behaviour. He said partnerships with other groups in society including the media is critical as HIV/AIDS is a Caribbean and global issue. He also underscored the role of individuals in ensuring that Carnival is safe. Chairman of the National Carnival Commission (NCC) Kenny De Silva described Carnival as a challenging time for young men and women. He referred to the level of skin exposure in “floss bikini” costumes.

 “HIV is the biggest challenge and the ways we conquer it is critical”.  While, the NCC wanted the public to have a good time, they should also be made safe for Carnival. De Silva called for the media to sensitise the public and ensure CAREC’s thrust is successful so “whatever happens in 2003 will be minimised.”  It is estimated that when official figures are adjusted for under-reporting, approximately 39,000 people in TT are infected with HIV/AIDS. The bulk of infections is in the 25-39 age group with more women being infected than men.