I can do this....just one more week...
From this...
To this...
Saturday, December 11, 2010
ONE WEEK!!!!!
I'm mentally preparing myself to jump on that plane and leave my new life behind for 20 days while I venture to my homeland. A wave of emotions hit me when I lay in bed at night thinking of whats to come; high school friends, fast food, good beer, family time, CHRISTMAS, American culture and cold weather. I cant even begin to fathom the excitement I will feel when I step off that plane onto American territory....my home.
I can do this....just one more week...
I can do this....just one more week...
Sunday, December 5, 2010
World AIDS Day
The Red Ribbon is the global symbol for solidarity with HIV-positive people and those living with AIDS.World AIDS Day, observed December 1 each year, is dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection. Since 1995, the President of the United States has made an official proclamation on World AIDS Day. Governments of other nations have followed suit and issued similar announcements.
AIDS has killed more than 25 million people between 1981 and 2007, and an estimated 33.2 million people worldwide live with HIV as of 2007, making it one of the most destructive epidemics in recorded history. Despite recent, improved access to antiretroviral treatment and care in many regions of the world, the AIDS epidemic claimed an estimated 2 million lives in 2007, of which about 270,000 were children.
The Caribbean has reached the ranks of having the second highest rates of HIV infections, second only to Africa. Social stigma and discrimination have kept people in Grenada and the region hiding in fear and refusing to get treatment and medications. The Ministry of Health recently made a step towards helping fight the stigma towards HIV/AIDS by decentralizing the clinics that hand out HIV medications. Originally, there were so called "AIDS clinics" in which people could go for their medications, but patients were ashamed and ridiculed by being seen going into the clinics. By decentralizing the clinics, patients are able to go to clinic that treat all sorts of ailments, so that no one knows what they are actually going to the clinic for. The rates of treatment for HIV/AIDS has increased after this practice went into affect.
On Wednesday, my organization, the Grenada National Organisation of Women decided to host a candlelight vigil in collaboration with HopePals, the HIV/AIDS network. We held a forum with some teenage boys on HIV/AIDS, STDs, etc, and then took to the streets with candles and songs, spreading the word of the pandemic hitting our region. It ended up being a great turnout for last minute planning. Below are some pictures from the event.
AIDS has killed more than 25 million people between 1981 and 2007, and an estimated 33.2 million people worldwide live with HIV as of 2007, making it one of the most destructive epidemics in recorded history. Despite recent, improved access to antiretroviral treatment and care in many regions of the world, the AIDS epidemic claimed an estimated 2 million lives in 2007, of which about 270,000 were children.
The Caribbean has reached the ranks of having the second highest rates of HIV infections, second only to Africa. Social stigma and discrimination have kept people in Grenada and the region hiding in fear and refusing to get treatment and medications. The Ministry of Health recently made a step towards helping fight the stigma towards HIV/AIDS by decentralizing the clinics that hand out HIV medications. Originally, there were so called "AIDS clinics" in which people could go for their medications, but patients were ashamed and ridiculed by being seen going into the clinics. By decentralizing the clinics, patients are able to go to clinic that treat all sorts of ailments, so that no one knows what they are actually going to the clinic for. The rates of treatment for HIV/AIDS has increased after this practice went into affect.
On Wednesday, my organization, the Grenada National Organisation of Women decided to host a candlelight vigil in collaboration with HopePals, the HIV/AIDS network. We held a forum with some teenage boys on HIV/AIDS, STDs, etc, and then took to the streets with candles and songs, spreading the word of the pandemic hitting our region. It ended up being a great turnout for last minute planning. Below are some pictures from the event.
My counterpart and I
Forum on HIV/AIDS
Showing my support.
Lauren of HopePals, speaking to the teens on STD's
Candlelight vigil
Explaining to the boys the correct ways to use a condom.
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