Promoting "Gender Equality" on World AIDS Day

[Nicole Rhonda Cole]

Under the Theme "Universal Access and Human Rights" Commissioner Cole along with UNFPA HIV Officer and the President of the Sunshine Support Group of the Campbellville Health Centre facilitated an awareness session with the Guyana Power and Light Company. The activity commenced with the reciting of the Lord's Prayers as we asked Jah to "deliver us from Evil and forgive our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us". The Female condom was the focal point of this session because women are three more times likely to become infected with HIV than Men owing to their socioeconomic conditions, culture, sexual violence and their inherent biological design! A Documentary was shown which promoted the female condom and condoms in general; however, the emphasis was the Female condom; the Documentary was shown three times to ensure that participants grasp the information being disseminated. The participants were all enthused to learn and posited that the session was timely, informative, and relevant as Women are the MOST AT RISK POPULATION! Jah Bless us!

[Laurence Gilliot]

Nicole wrote...

Hepatitis B is the Silent Killer-Did you Know?
Hepatitis B is present is blood, semen, and vaginal fluids of infected people. The virus spreads when these fluids enter the body of someone who is not immune. The virus can be transmitted by:
Birth (from an infected mother to her baby); medical, dental, tatooing or body-piercing instruments that have not been properly steralised; shared hypodermic needles, razors, nail files or clippers, toothbrushes, or anything else that can transfer even a tiny amount of blood through any break in the skin! Untreated, chronic hepatitis B can lead to liver failure and death! HBV is 100 times more infectious than HIV, the virus that causes AIDS! Even a tiny amount of infected blood, such as may be found on a razor can pass on HBV and a dried bloodstain can remain infectious for a week or more hence blood from an infectious person should be cleaned up promptly! It is important to note that vaccination can prevent Hepatitis B so all who read this missive should get the vaccine!

[Nicole Rhonda Cole]

The Participants also learnt about the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) which is carried by the male only! The Virus causes Warts to the Genital area plus it can occur on the tongue within the mouth! This Virus has no cure and is life threatening like the HIV pathogen! Many Governments are procuring the vaccines as a Preventative method in tackling HPV; the vaccines will be given to girls who are between the ages of 9-11 years.Hopefully, Guyana will try to procure the vaccines to assist in the Prevention of HPV! Give thanks to JAH!

[Nicole Rhonda Cole]

The Participants had no prior knowledge of the "Silent Killer" Hepatitis B until December 1 World AIDS Day session Rituu and I felt very humbled by the experience because a Nurse was among the Participants that learnt about the seriousness of HBV! Pictures will soon be posted and more experiences shared.Give thanks to Jah.

[Rituu B. Nanda]

Dear Nicole,

How are you?

Thanks for sharing about this event which dealt with a very critical issue. Did the group make any action plans? If you have any photos would you like to upload.

Warm regards,

Rituu