Regional Red Cross societies launch network to fight HIV/AIDS
THE Caribbean Red Cross societies have come together to fight the spread of HIV/AIDS. Two representatives of the local Red Cross movement have just returned from the launching of the network in Kingston, Jamaica. A press release from the Guyana Red Cross Society said that 20 representatives from nine Caribbean Red Cross Societies met between April 15 and 19 for the first time and launched the Caribbean Red Cross Network on HIV/AIDS. There was also a workshop in which the representatives participated. Launched under the theme "Together we can prevent HIV/AIDS", the network will promote HIV prevention by sharing information, experiences and resources. The new body will also develop long term strategies for the prevention of the disease. During the Jamaica workshop, representatives were trained to prepare and implement public awareness sessions which will target youths in the 14 to 19 age group. Already, Jamaica, Barbados, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago and the Bahamas have started youth awareness programmes. Other countries are set to begin soon. The aim of the network is to link all 32 countries in the Caribbean. The group discussed plans for the development of a campaign entitled "Stop the Ignorance to HIV/AIDS". It will seek to sensitise the public to the ordeals of persons living with HIV/AIDS to effect change and to educate on HIV infection and prevention.
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