The World Aids day was observed on December 1, 2016, in the Bahn and Little Wlebo Refugee camp. The program was dedicated to raising awareness to the Aids pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection. This year, the global theme” HANDS UP ON PREVENTION OF HIV/AIDS”, and the national theme “ENDING AIDS IN LIBERIA,LEAVING NO ONE BEHIND” were placed on banners, caps, and posters carried by participants during the day.
The program at Bahn Refugee camp, commenced with a parade from the camp market through the main street of Bahn and back to the camp for the indoor program. The Bahn Camp HIV/AIDS department observed this event by involving the refugee community, UNHCR, LRRRC, IPs, young students, parents, host members and community health workers in the awareness campaign.
During the interactive session on HIV and AIDS; community health workers organized a drama with emphasis on HIV transmission, prevention treatment and as well as community and clinicians’ role in reduction of stigma and discrimination.
Community members’ feedback and recommendations
TBA leaders attending the programme stressed the need for frequent home and community visits, and regular meetings at weekly markets and other public gathering, to reach more people. The need for supplementary feeding was also stressed to support patients suffering from the virus.
Voluntary Testing and Counseling (VCT)
To prevent the spread of HIV and to increase the number of person with knowledge to their status, voluntary testing was encouraged at the programme. As a result, 17 people were tested and no positive case was recorded.
Condom use and distribution
AHA continues to raise awareness and ensure supply of condom increases year to year. During the World Aids Day program, 700condoms were distributed to platform guests, host community members as well as the refugee population in the camp.
The event at Little Wlebo Refugee Camp was also successfully commemorated in collaboration with AHA Harper Field Office, UNHCR and partners on December 1, 2016.
The programme took place at the Place Publique of the LWC and begun with a grand parade by partners and the refugee population from Little Wlebo Refugee Camp Clinic to the program hall. Refugees and representatives of the various UNHCR implementing partners SEARCH, AIRD etc and collaborating partner, LRRRC and UNHCR attended the programme.
During the program series of HIV/AIDS prevention activities and dramas were performed by the Refugee Primary and Secondary Schools, with key demonstration on messages highlighting the prevention of the disease.
A special key note message was delivered by the head of AHA Field Office Harper, Mr. Josiah Nimley. Mr Nimley pointed out the difficult task of ending HIV/AIDS in Liberia however, with a collective effort, he emphasized it could be achieved. Voluntary testing to know status; avoiding discrimination and stigmatization of people with HIV/AIDS and preventing of sexual violence, were points among others, stressed by the Mr. Nimley.
Partners, local leaders and refugee committees also made their remarks and statements on the Global Theme “Hands up for HIV Prevention” and National Theme “Ending AIDS in Liberia; Leaving No One Behind”
The programme was concluded with the distribution of condoms to interested participants and a football match in honor of the day between refugee football club and partners, which ended in a one goal to zero in favor of the refugee football club.