U.B. students learn about condoms
The use of condoms is still controversial in some quarters, but last week, the University of Belize launched a new campaign aimed at educating its students about HIV/AIDS and other issues. News 5 was invited to find out more about the programme.
Jacqueline Woods, Reporting
The conference dubbed “No Condom, No Sex” targets students at the University of Belize who will be graduating in June and pursuing careers in Nursing, Health Education, and Social Work.
Cherene Valario, Student, U.B.
“Because we think that these are the people who will most be working with people infected with HIV and AIDS and they need to know how to work with these people and how to effectively carry out that information.”
The workshop organisers say the idea was not to promote the use of condoms, but the reality is that people are having unprotected sex and these future health professionals will need to know what protection is available to affect behaviour.
Dr. April Bernard, Lecturer, U.B
“We talk about abstinence and all the students they started off by talking about abstinence, but the reality is given the prevalence of HIV/AIDS we also need to talk about condom use for both males as well females and making sure that everybody is comfortable using one.”
But just as a lot of emphasis has been placed on preventative measures, equal attention should be given to those who have already been infected with HIV and AIDS.
Dolores Balderamos?Garcia, Chair, Natl. AIDS Commission
“As you know, the situation is not perfect, but we have made a start. Dr. Edwards from the National AIDS Programme is telling us that there is sufficient anti-retroviral mediation for about two hundred Belizeans and about between ninety and a hundred people are not accessing the medication if the statistics are correct. So that means that we have another hundred people that we could be providing for.”
“No more in Belize are we saying, well you know there is nothing that we can do about those people who are already infected, so we just have to leave them and let them die or whatever. Absolutely not the approach. The more we care for, treat, and support people who are living with HIV, the more we are able to prevent, for the simple reason that when you give support to persons who have a serious condition, these persons will be more likely to have a higher self-esteem, a better sense of human dignity, and naturally with ongoing counselling a support, people will not be running out there and engaging in risky behaviour.”
On Wednesday World AIDS Day will be commemorated under the theme: Women, Girls, HIV and AIDS. Jacqueline Woods reporting for News 5.
On Wednesday, the Ministry of Health will launch its Get Tested Campaign.
