HIV drive in panyards

NACC started their awareness drive two years ago, using well known soca artistes to get their messages out on practicing safe sex.

Then last year, the orgnaisation sponsored a Carnival band designed by Peter Minshall, to further reach the public about HIV/Aids.

Head of NACC, Dr Amery Brown told Newsday on Monday that since many other mas bands have taken up the theme without any financial inducements they decided to focus on Panorama.

He said the NACC has been meeting with Pan Trinbago, and it was agreed that on the days of Panorama shows, activists from non-governmental organisations will distribute flyers and other material. Also, jingles and videos will be aired at the shows between the playing of bands.

Brown also stated that similar distributions will be done at panyards.

The key responsibility of the NACC is to coordinate a sustained national response to HIV/Aids.

The NACC plays a critical role in Government’s HIV/Aids policy formulation and programme management, and in the administration of Government’s budgetary allocation to its programmes.

The committee coordinates the expenditure of a $50M grant from the European Union and the $125M loan from the World Bank, as well as a matching grant of $30M from the Government – a total of $205M for the acquisition of resources and the implementation of programmes that will work toward the eradication of the threat of HIV/Aids.

The Aids epidemic claimed an estimated 24,000 lives in the Caribbean in 2005, making it the leading cause of death among adults,15 to 44 years.

A total of 300,000 people are currently living with HIV in the region, including 30,000 people who became infected in 2005.