The Tribune

By CARA HUNT

Tribune Features Writer

cbrennen@tribunemedia.net

HIV continues to affect our nation in ways that extend far beyond healthcare, the president of the Bahamas AIDS foundation Arame Ford said, adding that much more education about the diease is needed.

Ms Ford said a recent dinner conversation reminded her that the foundation can not give up its education efforts.

“Some time ago while having dinner with a group of friends, the topic turned to HIV and the work of The Bahamas AIDS Foundation. As president of the Foundation, I'm always happy to talk about the work we do and our ambitious plans to improve prevention, education, and support throughout The Bahamas.”

However she says she left surprised that her dinner companions were not aware of two of the most important medical advances available to help prevent HIV.

“Around the table sat a group of educated, successful professionals, people I considered well-informed and engaged. Yet not one of them knew about PrEP or PEP, two of the most important medical advances available to help prevent HIV”

The experience left her both mortified and motivated.

“Those of us who work in HIV prevention often believe we are getting the message out. We produce public service announcements, distribute educational materials, speak at events, and engage communities across the country.

“But that conversation reminded me that we cannot assume people know the facts simply because the information exists.”

Ms Ford said that HIV continues to affect our nation in ways that extend far beyond healthcare.

“It intersects with social and economic challenges, gender inequality, gender-based violence, power imbalances within relationships, access to healthcare, regular screening, and comprehensive sexual health education. These are not always easy conversations, but they are conversations we must continue to have,” she said.

Ms Ford said that the foundation is committed to to increasing its public education efforts through social media, community outreach, and public service announcements.

“Our goal is simple: to make information about HIV prevention and care so widespread that everyone knows where to go, what to do, and how to protect themselves. If we become just a little repetitive along the way, we'll gladly accept the criticism, because when it comes to saving lives, repetition is a small price to pay.”

Ms Ford stressed that Bahamians need to know their options and take charge of their own health.

She also shared that the foundation recently launched an app called BSMART STATUS.

“The app provides a wealth of reliable information, including a sexual health risk assessment and a comprehensive directory of available services. I encourage everyone to download it and become familiar with the resources it offers.

She noted that HIV does not discriminate.

“It is not a disease confined to a particular race, ethnicity, gender, age group, sexual orientation, or economic status. HIV is a human disease. If we continue to believe that it only happens to "other people," we leave ourselves vulnerable,” she said.

Finally Ms Ford said that knowledge is power.

“Get tested. Know your status. Learn about PrEP and PEP. Have honest conversations with your healthcare provider and with the people you care about.Because when it comes to HIV, protecting yourself also helps protect our community.

None of us are truly safe until all of us are safe.”