HIV/Aids has been plaguing the world since the early 1980s.
It is a time when anyone suspected of being HIV-positive was ostracised by society and, as a result, many people opted to not reveal their status.
South Africa was no different, and as with many other countries the rates of infection increased as a direct result of poverty and lack of education. Regarding poverty, many women would give in to the demands of men who were often the breadwinner of the family.
As for lack of education, as many people did not understand how infection had occurred, or how effective preventative measures were.
But recent research shows HIV/Aids infections in South Africa are down by 39%, which proves that the intervention processes put in place by organisations such as The Red Ribbon Foundation (RRF) are working.
The great news is that this isn’t stopping the RRF — in fact, the news is encouraging them to do more. Among all the programmes it runs continually, the foundation will be hosting many road shows, one of them planned for Atlantis on 5 and 6 May.
The road show promises to be educational, informative and fun, as RRF is known to tackle issues no-one wants to deal with, with a view to dispelling myths and stigma associated with HIV/Aids.
The show itself will take on a five-pronged approach, and includes HIV Testing and Counselling, Healthy Lifestyle Information, a Wellness Programme, Education as well as Live Entertainment.
This tactic will ensure that the roadshow takes on a holistic or integrated approach, which encourages young and old alike to come along and enjoy some of the activities.
Campaign Messages:
1. Love Beyond HIV/Aids (RRF theme).
2. Being HIV positive is not a crime.
3. HIV/AIDS affects all of us.
4. Knowledge is power, protect yourself.
RRF would like to invite the community of Atlantis and its surrounding areas to come along and take part in this road show, and to draw the most from it. For more information, please contact the foundation at info@redribbonfoundation.co.za or 021 374 3894/062 586 9576
Or, the RRF’s website can be visited on www.facebook.com/Red-Ribbon-Foundation.
