IN observance of World AIDS Day, over 200 students and teachers from 15 schools on the West Coast of Demerara last Wednesday staged a march from the Leonora market square to the Uitvlugt Community Centre for a youth rally. The rally, intended to promote HIV/AIDS awareness among schoolchildren, saw participation from a number of primary and secondary schools and the air was filled with chants of “Keep the promise, stop AIDS, AIDS is a killer,” as the children made their way along the West Demerara Public Road to Uitvlugt.
All the schools were led by banners which highlighted the theme of this year’s observance – “Universal Access and Human Rights” – and some children wore sashes, all of which encouraged healthy practices for a good life.
The rally featured songs, poems, drama and dances performed by school children. All of the performances had a message and encouraged people to live a healthy lifestyle.
Regional Health Officer, Dr. Ravi Persaud, encouraged the gathering to join in the fight against the AIDS epidemic. He said that he was heartened by the large turnout which is a clear indication that persons are keen and enthusiastic in the fight against the virus.
Regional Chairman Julius Faerber stressed the need for people, especially children, to abstain from sex until marriage. He advised the youths to channel all of their energies into their school work.
Faerber said that if they begin to have sex at a young age, it would only lead to unwanted pregnancies, HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases that could complicate their childhood.
Independent Consultant on HIV/AIDS, Dereck Springer, in his address, reiterated that one of the biggest problems concerning the AIDS epidemic is stigmatisation and discrimination.