AIDS is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide. Since the first case of HIV & AIDS in Barbados in 1984, the number of cases has risen at an alarming rate, particularly between the 15-49 year old age ranges.

There is no cure for AIDS. Treatment can be given to individuals infected by HIV to prolong the life of the individual but it is a lifelong struggle.

HIV/ AIDS can be transmitted through:

• Unprotected sexual intercourse
• Oral contact with the genitilia of an infected person
• It can be passed from one intravenous drug user to another
• A contaminated blood transfusion
• Occupational exposure (needle stick with infected blood)
• Artificial insemination with infected semen
• Organ transplant taken from an HIV-infected donor

Unlike war or natural disasters, this epidemic can be controlled and maintained. While the ABCs of prevention (Abstinence, Being faithful to one partner and Condom use by the sexually active) aid and alleviate the situation, they simply are not enough on their own. The overall attitude must change. Prevention is better than cure.

People need to be more aware and engage in universal precautions when they come into contact with someone else’s blood. Pregnant women have a history of risky sexual behaviour need to get tested and reduce the risk of transmitting infection to the unborn child.

ABSTINENCE


Complete abstinence is a decision to completely refrain from the act of sex and all types of intimate genital contact. It is the most reliable form of protection against Sexual Transmitted Infections. The individual must decide however, to be completely abstinent on a consistent basis. Local church groups push this option in support of sexual purity before marriage. Despite this, abstinence is often not the method of choice.


BEING FAITHFUL TO ONE PARTNER

For the sexually active other options have been offered. The psychological benefits of maintaining a monogamous relationship with your partner are innumerable, especially when neither partner is infected. While ideally creating a sense of security and fostering an environment of trust, it narrows down the risk of catching and spreading the HIV & AIDS virus. Even in this mutually monogamous relationship barrier methods should be used in case issues of infidelity arise.


CONDOM USE BY THE SEXUALLY ACTIVE

Even though the HIV & AIDS virus can be transmitted in numerous ways, the vast majority of cases are sexually transmitted. The condom is the most reliable barrier method for the sexually active, especially for those who have multiple sex partners and/ or engage in anally penetrative sex.

It is an affordable barrier method that is easy to obtain and use here in Barbados . Once used in a correct and consistent manner, this contraceptive has indisputably reduced the risk of HIV/AIDS infection via sexual relations.


SAY NO TO DRUGS

There are two ways in which drug use can contribute to the climbing rate of HIV & AIDS infection around the world: the first has to do with the sharing of needles in intravenous drug use, the second deals with the effects drugs have on the overall decision- making process.

Drug users and abusers often share the paraphernalia used to support what has become a dangerous habit. This passing of needles from one bloodstream to another, undeniable creates an open window in which the virus can flow freely from the infected to the uninfected. Links between intravenous drug users and HIV & AIDS infection date back to some of the first cases of the virus in 1981.

Overall drug use leads to impaired judgement and poor decision making practices. An individual under the influence of alcohol can be lead to engage in risky sexual behaviour with people, and in circumstances they would not normally consider. This loosening of inhibitions puts people at risk of catching or transmitting the virus.


VOLUNTARY COUNSELLING & TESTING (VCT)

Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) plays a crucial role in the prevention, care and treatment of all who are at risk, have been infected or affected by the HIV & AIDS virus. This service provides a means for all members of the society to obtain up-to-date, reliable information in a safe and confidential environment.

In this private setting, individuals become aware of behaviours that put themselves or others at risk and learn how to further prevent the spread of HIV & AIDS. Counsellors offer comfort for those who are suffering from the day to day stress of living with the virus, and teach attendees how to care for themselves or loved ones who are HIV positive.

During counselling individuals may learn the importance of HIV & AIDS testing and knowing their status. Counsellors are able to direct attendees to the relevant facilities for further support, care or treatment. These care givers are a valuable source of information and can lead individuals to further resources where they can research the HIV & AIDS virus.

Where can I get tested?


COMMUNITY HEALTH EDUCATION

Governmental agencies work hard to educate the general public through pamphlets, advertising campaigns, programmes, open events and discussions.


AIDS MANAGEMENT TEAM OF QEH

• A programme of HIV/AIDS education has been endorsed throughout the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, affiliated teaching institutions and the community at large to empower individuals with the knowledge they need to make wise decisions and engage in safe sex practices.

More about the AIDS Management Team of QEH


AIDS SOCIETY OF BARBADOS

• Members of the AIDS Society of Barbados speak with various groups from all sectors of the society to inform the about the issue surrounding HIV & AIDS.
• Participate in seminars and panel discussions.
• Produces the “AIDS Watch” magazine, the first and only publication that’s main goal is to attend to the needs of HIV & AIDS community.
• Worked to push HIV & AIDS awareness during festival periods such as Congaline, Crop Over, Holetown Festival, Oistins Fish Festival and Bridgetown Market.

More about ASOB


LADYMEADE REFERENCE UNIT

• The Community Health sisters, medical and pharmacy staff of the LRU respond to requests from schools, churches, businesses and community groups to speak on various issues surrounding HIV & AIDS and its prevention.

More about LRU

CHART NETWORK VISION

The CHART Network leads the way in training excellence with the aim of reducing the burden and impact of HIV, AIDS and related conditions in every Caribbean country and territory.

BACKGROUND TO REGIONAL CHART NETWORK

The CHART Initiative was developed at the request of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat in June 2001 following the establishment of the Pan –Caribbean Partnership Against HIV/AIDS in February, 2001. The CHART initiative is funded through a collaborative effort by the US Centres for Disease Control (CDC) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The primary source of programmatic and technical support is the US based International Training and Education Centre on HIV (I-TECH), which is the international arm of the AIDS Education and Training Centre (AETC) network. To date, the Network consists of five national training centres and a Regional Coordinating Unit (RCU) situated at the University of the West Indies and functioning as part of the UWI HIV/AIDS Response Programme (UWI HARP). The National Training Centres are located as follows:

1. Three CHART Centres are situated within Ministries of Health, one each in the Bahamas, Barbados and Jamaica.

2. The other two CHART Centres are placed within non-governmental organizations in Haiti. They are Le Groupe Haïtien d'Etude du Sarcome de Kaposi et des Infections Opportunistes (GHESKIO) and Partners in Health (Zanmi Lasante).  There are ongoing discussions and plans for additional CHART Centres to be established in the future. These additional CHART Centres will be subject to the agreement of national authorities.

HISTORY OF CHART BARBADOS, MINISTRY OF HEALTH

CHART Barbados, Ministry of Health, was established in September 1, 2003 with a Training Coordinator Ms. Wendy Sealy. CHART Barbados was officially launched October 12, 2003 by the Dr. The Hon. Jerome Walcott, Minister of Health. Since its inception CHART Barbados has initiated and facilitated training for approximately 400 Health Care Professionals in Barbados and the OECS in the following areas:

·        Clinical Management of HIV and AIDS for Physicians in Barbados

·        Clinical Management of HIV and AIDS for Nurses in Barbados

·        ARV Management for Pharmacists for Barbados and the Organization of eastern Caribbean States (OECS)

·        TB Prevention and Control Training conducted in Barbados, Nurses, Doctors and Environmental Health Officers. As a result of the training a TB Prevention and Control Manual is currently being developed for Barbados

·        Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) Curriculum Development and Training for Barbados

·        Clinical Mentorship Programme for the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS)

·        Laboratory training in Flowcytometry techniques for the Caribbean region

·        Caribbean Partnership for Nurses in HIV and AIDS Care for the Caribbean Region

Training levels employed for CHART Continuing Education activities are as follows:

• Level 1 : Didactic/Classroom – this is geared towards informing and sensitizing participants in
• Level 2 : Skills building workshops- allows participants to practice skills taught during the training
• Level 3:  Clinical training- through Clinical Mentorship Programmes, Health Care Professionals visit treatment sites for observation of procedures and interact with persons seeking care