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Bahamas
AIDS Secretariat Reports Increase in HIV Cases among
Athletes and Uniformed Personnel |
January 23,
2008: NASSAU, Bahamas (BIS)- A “slight increase” in new
HIV cases involving athletes and persons in the uniformed
branches of government is causing concern for officials in
the AIDS Secretariat, who have in turn stepped up
initiatives targeting young adults.
This was disclosed Thursday January 17, by RosaMae
Bain, Managing Director of the HIV/AIDS Centre of the
Bahamas.
Mrs. Bain revealed that this slight increase in HIV cases
has led to an acceleration of preventative efforts,
particularly in schools, churches, youth groups and the
hotel industry, which employs a large number of young
adults.
According to Mrs. Bain, this increase, although small, is
something officials want to watch closely.
“We are just hoping it is not a trend that will keep going
up,” she said.
Mrs. Bain underscored that a workshop for out-of-school
youth is being planned and should be held within three
months. This workshop will target persons in athletics. |
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“We feel this is a
group we need to get the message to,” she pointed out. “The
workshop will be put on and funded by the Trinidad and
Tobago-based Population Services International.
“This group has done work with us before with our uniformed
officers, both the police, Defence Force and Prison
officers. We have been in contact with them and they are
prepared to fund this venture along the United States
Embassy.”
Mrs. Bain said, “A number of young persons who have become
HIV infected have talked to us candidly that once they go on
trips to play sports that they are exposed to pressure. This
is something we would work with the coaches in terms of the
chaperons.
“This is very disturbing. A parent actually spoke to us and
said his son admitted to him, once he became HIV infected,
he knew exactly how it happened. The free life, the happy
life and not having the skill to protect themselves.”
The Managing Director stressed that the bulk of new cases
are in adolescents and young adults, and that the
Secretariat is trying to get the message out to young adult
males. |
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