St Helena : St Helena Councillors Attend HIV/AIDS Seminar
Submitted by Saint Helena Herald (Juanita Brock) 07.12.2008 (Article Archived on 21.12.2008)
Councillors attended an HIV/AIDS Seminar at the Consulate Hotel on Friday 28 November 2008.
Councillors Attend HIV/AIDS Seminar
Councillors attended an HIV/AIDS Seminar at the Consulate Hotel on Friday 28 November 2008. This allowed the elected members to listen to presentations on what the Public Health and Social Services Department is doing to educate people about the issue of HIV/AIDS.
Carol George, Chief Administrative Health and Social Services Officer opened the seminar. In her address, she spoke about how the Department for International Development has funded the visit of Abdia Naidoo to educate and inform the people of the Island about HIV/AIDS and in particular, the need for people to take responsibility for their own behaviour.
Abdia presented Councillors with background information and talked about the work which has been done so far to educate and inform. To date, Abdia has given presentations to schools, government departments, and other organisations. She has also trained local persons who will continue with the programme following her departure in April 2009, when her two-year contract comes to an end.
Shirley Anderson, the Senior Nurse Manager, spoke about how the Sexual Health Strategy has also contributed to educating people on the Island on the issue of HIV/AIDS. Shirley spoke about various programmes that are in operation under this strategy, including one at Prince Andrew School, where the School Nurse is providing students with information and advice.
The final presentation was made by Carol Youde, the Health Promotion Coordinator, who spoke about the need for everyone to take the lead in tackling the issue.
Dr Bloem, the Senior Medical Officer was in attendance to answer questions.
In the future, the Community Nurses will be doing more work to develop their family planning services, and the department will be looking into employing a Sexual and Reproductive Health Coordinator.
Throughout the presentations, it was stressed that members of the public can visit the hospital for an HIV test and the department encourages people who feel they may have been exposed to the risk of contracting HIV, to do so. Persons with questions can contact Abdia at the Public Health and Social Services Department or any member of the nursing staff.
Public Relations/Information Office
Office of the Chief Secretary
3 December 2008
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