The Tribune

THE US Embassy has officially awarded a ‘US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief’ (PEPFAR) Small Grant to the Bahamas Family Planning Association.

The Bahamas Family Planning Association, located in Centerville, is a civil society organisation which was recently re-launched as the Bahamas Sexual Health and Rights Association (BaSHRA).

BaSHRA’s focus is on implementing a “Safe Space Programme” within corporate settings that have a significant amount of staff.

BaSHRA’s Safe Space Programme will use a “Diversity Monitoring and Networking” module to explore policy issues, beliefs and/or practices within the workplace regarding sexual rights. Current and past experiences within the workplace for those persons living with HIV/AIDS will also be addressed as it relates to workplace inclusion.

Discussions with senior level human resources staff about discrimination on the grounds of gender and race is also part of the monitoring and networking.

The overall goal of the module is to ensure equal opportunities and sustain a healthy, productive workforce.

BaSHRA Executive Director Kevon Lightbourne said: “Receiving this grant motivates us to maintain progressive work based on our Safe Space Programme goals, which is in line with our affiliate, International Planned Parenthood Federation.

“This work is part of an institutional development plan for all member associations in the region. Moreover, we look forward to technical assistance from the US Embassy’s Small Grants, as well as other grant opportunities within BaSHRA’s high-need areas. We are committed to deliver effective and efficient use of all funding opportunities.”

PEPFAR is the cornerstone of the US President’s Global Health Initiative, and the largest commitment in the country’s history towards a single disease.

The goal of PEPFAR is to make smart investments that save the greatest number of lives by increasing and building upon what works and, supporting partnering countries as they work to improve the health of their own people.

In the Caribbean, PEPFAR, partners with 11 countries and two regional bodies to work within National AIDS Programmes, along with civil society organisations, under the guidance of the Caribbean Regional Partnership Framework 2010 – 2014. Various US agencies support PEPFAR initiatives, and the PEPFAR Small grants currently range from $2,000 - $8,000. Requests for proposals are released periodically as funding and capacity allow.