Ministers in the Cayman Islands will be targeted this week in an effort to enhance the local HIV/AIDS prevention efforts.
The Cayman AIDS Foundation will host two breakfasts at Grand Old House restaurant Wednesday and Thursday.
The purpose is to raise awareness of this issue amongst religious leaders, government policy makers and private sector representatives, states a press release.
During these sessions, CAF presenters will encourage government and non-government organizations to introduce, or adapt, operating procedures to improve or include HIV/AIDS prevention. The educational effort also seeks to reduce discrimination in the Cayman Islands.
These breakfast meetings will be led by Pan American Health Organization International Fellow Stewart Smith.
The first session will take place at 9.30am Wednesday addressing religious leaders.
The event is designed to help the religious community to develop HIV/AIDS-prevention actions that can be introduced within their respective congregations and communities.
‘Cayman AIDS Foundation has identified a need in the religious community for assistance in dealing in matters of sexual health. CAF hopes to maximize the involvement of this important sector or our country, while not compromising their religious values or spiritual beliefs,’ said CAF Promotions Officer Clara Smith.
The following meeting on Thursday morning will cater to government officials, political leaders as well as private sector representatives.
This process will assist in bringing HIV/AIDS prevention efforts into the mainstream and encourage cooperation and sharing of this responsibility, which has traditionally been managed by the Ministry of Health and Human Services.
‘We must increase participation, so that this is truly a national effort,’ said CAF president Jennison Nunez. ‘We hope that these events, combined with other efforts such as our ongoing education programme and the recent Fundraising Gala Evening will raise the profile of HIV/AIDS syndrome in the Cayman Islands.’
Space at these meetings is limited, but anyone who is interested in attending either session should contact Mrs. Smith at [email protected] or call 946-6151.
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