Children striving towards partnership in HIV/AIDS campaign
Monday, May 8th 2006
A campaign titled "Unite for Children-Unite against AIDS" was launched at the Carifesta Sports Complex last Thursday to bring unity among children in the fight against the deadly disease.
Several children and young adults from various regions converged at the launching of the campaign which is a joint effort by the Ministries of Health and Labour, Human Services and Social Security, the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) and UNAIDS.
The campaign started in November 2005 to focus on preventing mother-to-child transmission and prevention among adolescents, providing paediatric treatment and protecting orphans and other vulnerable children.
During the campaign launch, songs, drama and skits were performed by the West Ruimveldt Boys Choir and other groups to entertain the large gathering.
Minister of Health Leslie Ramsammy charged the youths to strive towards a partnership against HIV/AIDS.
"As we leave here let's leave with a solemn commitment and affirmation that our future is guaranteed because we will win the fight against AIDS," Minister Ramsammy stated.
He noted that the world is experiencing one its greatest tragedies with millions of persons living with AIDS, five percent being children born with the virus.
Ramsammy congratulated the youths for their participation in such campaigns and said that he is very optimistic that changes can be created through these efforts.
"I see the vibrant fight across our country from our young people everywhere I go and I would like to thank them for the work that they are doing in the schools, churches and villages, etc. That is why when I go out I talk with optimism that I know we will win because I see our young people being part of the fight," Ramsammy said.
© Stabroek News
