By Kisean Joseph
The AIDS Secretariat has launched a two-week programme of activities across Antigua and Barbuda to mark World AIDS Day 2024, emphasising human rights and accessibility to care under the theme “Take the Right Spot.”
“Take the Right Spot means that we are focusing on human rights, the right of a person to access care and treatment, the right of a person to get tested, the right of a person to ensure that whatever care and treatment they’re given is to its benefit,” Programme Director of the AIDS Secretariat, Nurse Delcora Williams said.
The campaign kicks off on December 1st with a church service at Kentish Pentecostal Church in Gray’s Farm, Antigua. Throughout the week, citizens are encouraged to participate in what Williams calls “red up the place” by wearing red clothing or ribbons available at the AIDS Secretariat.
“You’re not saying HIV positive, but you’re saying that you support persons who are living with HIV,” Williams noted, emphasising the significance of wearing the red ribbon. “You support persons having the right and freedom to access care and treatment.”
In the initiative to increase accessibility to testing, the programme introduces a workplace testing program on December 3rd and 4th. “Some agencies might not be able to allow their workers to go and get tested because it takes a lot of time,” Williams explained. “But what we do as a national programme, we’re saying, call us, make an appointment with us. Our counsellors and testers can come to your workplace and test your employees, and this is done free of cost.”
The programme will feature several health fairs, including one at 39ers Square in front of the Ministry of Health on December 5th, followed by a two-day event at Judgment Square featuring HIV testing and a cake sale.
“If you want to know your HIV status; if you want to get tested for other health care tests, that is the day that you can come to our open day,” Williams said.
The campaign then shifts to Barbuda, featuring a sports day on December 9th, followed by educational sessions focussing on youth awareness.
“We’ll be discussing with the older students about HIV and AIDS and how to prevent themselves from becoming HIV infected,” Williams said of the planned youth forum at Sir McChesney George Secondary School.
The programme concludes with a series of events including a health and wellness fair, a glow health walk through the streets of Codrington, and a final church service at Abundant Life Church on December 15th.
Williams stressed that this year’s theme focusses on eliminating barriers to care: “It makes sure that a person does not face stigma and discrimination in accessing care, treatment, and support.”
This year’s activities for World AIDS Day outline Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to both awareness and action in the fight against HIV/AIDS, with emphasis on accessibility, education, and destigmatisation across both islands.
