The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

GETTING to zero new infections, zero AIDS-related deaths and zero stigma and discrimination is still major goal for the Bahamas AIDS Foundation.

According to statistics released by HIV/AIDS Centre, as of December 31, 2013, there were 13,082 HIV infected people in the Bahamas. From 1985 to 2013, there were 4,618 deaths and, as of the end of December 2013, 8,440 people in the Bahamas were living with HIV/AIDS.

While major breakthroughs and progress have been made in reducing the number of people who die or are infected with HIV/AIDS, due in large part to the work done by the AIDS Foundation, eradicating the disease will take an effort by the general public.

The upcoming 22nd annual Red Ribbon Ball will provide financial support to life-saving work, which includes education and increasing awareness of HIV and AIDS, support and advocacy for persons living with HIV/AIDS, training and research to assist in the fight against the disease.

The event will be held on November 14 at Atlantis’ Grand Ballroom at 8pm under the theme, “A Night of Luxury”.

It will feature additions that include tables with complimentary bottles of champagne, courtesy of Red Ribbon Ball partner Commonwealth Brewery, special balcony seating for only eight “luxe” tables and personalised service, said Lady Camille Barnett, president of the foundation.

This year’s entertainment will feature local favourites such as the Bahamas Defence Force Pop Band, Fred Ferguson’s Tingum Dem Band and DJ Killa Bee, as well as some surprise performers.

The night will culminate with the drawing of a special in-house raffle with the prize of $10,000 luxury shopping spree at John Bull.

Lady Barnett told Tribune Health that while the night will be an occasion for fun and frolic, it is mainly for the worthy cause of supporting work the AIDS Foundation does on a daily basis.

“The proceeds from the ball support two of our most important and expensive programmes,” she said.

“One of those programmes is the Outreach Programme for Adolescents Infected and Affected by HIV/AIDS, which has several components. Those components include an after-school programme providing access to computers, tutoring, work towards national examinations (BJC and BGCSE) a hot meal, counselling, life skills, job skills/placement, and support services and the purchase of special third line medicines needed by some persons.

“Government provides free of cost most of the medicines needed by persons who are HIV positive. However, some persons need special medication and we have committed to providing some of that medicine.”

The needs are still great for persons living with HIV and AIDS, said Lady Barnett, “we must continue to support them, the fight, and never let up.”

To attend the event, tickets can be purchased from the AIDS Foundation’s Delancy Street offices. The office can be reached at 325-9326/7.