New billboard campaign targets AIDS

While scientists search for a cure or an effective vaccine, experts continue to stress that the best weapon in the war against AIDS is education. Ann-Marie Williams reports from the front lines.

Ann-Marie Williams

“The first in a series of billboard campaigns which reminds us of our collective responsibility in fighting the deadly disease AIDS has been launched. It couldn’t have been placed at a more appropriate location – at the entrance of the city where drivers, cyclists and pedestrians frequent.”

This is the billboard. Faces of Belizeans are etched out forming the letters A-I-D-S. Across that word the big question – Could you be next? Get tested.

During a brief but impressive ceremony this morning at the base of the billboard, Human Development Minister, who also chairs the National AIDS Commission, Dolores Balderamos Garcia, says the commission’s aim is to invest in public awareness.

Dolores Balderamos Garcia, Chair, Nat’l AIDS Commission

“We launched the first of twelve billboards countrywide here at the flag monument and the roundabout. I think it will be very high profile, high impact billboard and it will be two per district initially and we hope to build from there.”

She’s also hoping to build on the concept that the faces of AIDS are yours and mine and that no one is immune.

Dolores Balderamos Garcia

“It’s not just a health issues, it’s a whole human development issues, it’s a social issues, it’s an issues of young people being aware. And so I would like to think that it’s just another step, but we have a long, long way to go because changing personal behaviour as you know is one of the most difficult things to do.”

Ann-Marie Williams for News 5.

Two of the twelve billboards are being sponsored by the Ministry of Health, while the other ten are courtesy of private sector companies including Neon Plastics, BTL and Texaco.