Information and counselling centre opens in NA – to aid in reducing HIV/AIDS among vulnerable groups
The symbolic cutting of the ribbon by a student of the Special Needs School.
The symbolic cutting of the ribbon by a student of the Special Needs School.

THE New Amsterdam Mayor and Town Council in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme, and other stakeholders on yesterday, opened the door of the Information and Counselling Centre, aimed at reducing the scourge of HIV/AIDS among vulnerable groups.The centre is located at the main entrance of the New Amsterdam Municipal Market, next to the Constabulary Department, which allows accessibility to all persons traversing the marketplace.
Counselling-Centre
The creation of the building followed an April 2014 signed Municipal declaration, aimed at reducing stigma and discrimination, while denouncing homophobias and respecting the dignities and work of all peoples, regardless of gender, sexuality or employment.

Project Coordinator, Ms. Paulette Henry, in reviewing the venture, said that the centre did not evolve overnight, but was a process spanning over two years ago, during which period a stakeholder analysis was done, as it relates to HIV and its reduction among the vulnerable groups.

Dubbed a pace setter, the new initiative allows persons to feel valued, as during workshop sessions, participants had indicated that their rights were violated either by the police, health care workers or by members of civil society.
“Subsequently, it was reported that things were changing,” said Henry.

Meanwhile, following the opening, the site will initially be accessible to the public on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Trained counsellors from Non-Government Organisations, such as Comforting Hearts and Bricklayers, along with the University of Guyana fourth-year Social Work students will be partnering to render required services.

History was created last year when New Amsterdam and its sister municipality of Linden signed a declaration dubbed, ‘The Urban Health and Justice Initiative HIV CITIES Project’. The declaration reaffirmed their commitment to achieving universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support under a human rights framework.

The mid-morning opening ceremony yesterday had among its invitees Mayor Claude Henry, Town Clerk, Ms. Sharon Alexander, who made brief remarks, representatives of the various stakeholders, including the Berbice Chambers of Commerce, Banks DIH and Youth Empowerment Inclusion Reconciliation Project (YEIRP).

By Jeune Vankeric

 

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