WORLD AIDS DAY

January 2001 Table of Contents

WORLD AIDS DAY

As a follow up to the recent Family Life Education workshop for high school teachers Cavelle Macdonell, Art & Design teacher at Abaco Central High School, organised a seminar around the issues of Sexually Transmitted Infections and Sexual Abuse of Children. The presenters were Catherine Knowles for Grades 7 - 9 and Cindy Armbrister for Grades 10 - 12. Guest speaker was Sandy Walker, the local Adolescent Healthcare Officer.

Ms Macdonell designed two school bulletin boards to spark students' attention concerning the startling statistics. The frames of the boards were painted red and six True or False questions and answers were mounted on a black background. The questions were based on published information.

The current statistics on HIV/AIDS in The Bahamas compiled from 1985 to December 1998 are as follows: a total of 7,420 have tested positive for the HIV Eliza Antibody. Of the 7,420 individuals 3,185 (41%) have developed stage 4 HIV infection or full blown AIDS. Of the 3,185 cases with AIDS, 2,143 have already died. Further, the incidence of HIV infection is approximately 84% native Bahamian and 16% non-Bahamian. The total number of HIV infections for people 0 - 19 was 748, of which 248 had developed AIDS.

A cause of grave concern is the increase in the number of women being reported with HIV. Between January and December 1997, of a total of 3,683 women attending government antenatal clinics in New Providence, 131 were positive for HIV (3.6%). In 1998, 3.6% of antenatal clients again tested positive.

AIDS is the leading cause of death in The Bahamas among men and women ages 15 - 44. Among men of the same age group the second cause of death is accidents and violence. Yet another startling fact presented to educators in October is the fact that sexual abuse and molestation of very young girls is rampant in the Abacos.

Abaco leads the nation in reported cases of HIV per 1,000 population and The Bahamas is one of the top three countries of the world with the highest number of reported cases of HIV per 1,000 population. What is important to note here, Ms Macdonell stated, is that although this country is in the top three this may be due to the stringent work being done in detecting the virus and the reporting mechanisms in place. AIDS is a world problem and The Bahamas is truly dealing with education and prevention, but it will take time.

Ms Macdonell offered a sincere thank you to Sandra Irish from Bridgeport, Texas, who so generously provided the 400+ red ribbons and pins worn by the students and staff. The red ribbon is a world symbol of hope for increased AIDS awareness, including prevention and care.

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