In an effort to raise the bar on Sri Lanka’s response to HIV and AIDS, a group of local and International organizations that actively work in the field of HIV and AIDS, Sexuality and Sexual Reproductive Rights (SRH) have together to form one collective voice. This coalition who has adopted the slogan ‘Together We Are the Solution’ as their mantra, believes in consistent and clear messages in terms of advocacy and awareness on HIV and AIDS, Sexuality and SRH.
Whilst Sri Lanka remains “a low prevalence” country HIV and AIDS infections are nevertheless on the rise, with 202 new infections being reported in 2008. Moreover, if we are to learn the lessons from other South Asian nations like India, a country that has a “low prevalence” of HIV should strive to remain a “low prevalence” country. Awareness, education and advocacy are needed now.
The HIV and AIDS response thus far in Sri Lanka has been focused mainly on most at risk populations (MARPS) e.g. commercial sex workers, intravenous drug users, trishaw drivers, beach boys etc, however the coalition believes that all populations matter - especially the youth - if we are to arrest the spread of HIV in our country. The marginalization of MARPS, the stigma and discrimination of people living with HIV (PLHIV) results from the silence and ignorance that surrounds issues related to HIV, sex and sexuality.
The coalition wants to go beyond isolated workshops, events that spring up around World AIDS Day, and seeks to challenge young people and not so young people of our country to learn more, stand up and speak out. It also helps remove the culture of silence and fear that surrounds HIV, sex and sexuality and move towards and equitable society for all.
“We want to have more than the token World AIDS Day event - this is about continuous awareness raising of HIV & AIDS related issues whilst at the same time to advocate the rights and needs of those who already live with HIV in Sri Lanka,” says Milinda Rajapaksha from the National Youth Coalition for Sexual & Reproductive Rights.
Currently, the coalition includes representation from Positive Hopes Alliance, Lanka + (PLHIV Support organizations), The Salvation Army, EQUAL GROUND, Alcohol and Drug Information Centre (ADIC), Beyond Borders, Companions on a Journey, The Youth committee of the Family Planning Association of Sri Lanka, National Youth Coalition Sri Lanka (NYCSL), PANOS, National STD & AIDS Control programme (NSACP), Save Lanka Kids, World Vision and The Women’s Support Group. The coalition hopes that more agencies will join as the event-series gathers momentum leading up to World AIDS Day.
There is also a candlelight event coming to a town near you from July to November this year. With the full financial support from UNAIDS, “Together We Are The Solution” plans to begin their program in Colombo and then visit Kandy, Galle, Negombo, Batticaloa and Anuradhapura conducting similar events modified to suit the needs and requirements of the visited town. The event will include street theatre, quiz competitions, condom cricket and other interactive games and more. All designed specifically to discuss HIV, sex and sexuality in sensitive and culturally appropriate ways.
A team of volunteers from across the island will be trained in handling the event and activities, as “Together We Are The Solution” believes in a clear and consistent message in their education and awareness programmes. Volunteers were first trained in Colombo at the Family Planning Association, 27/37 Bullers Lane, Colombo 07 on July 11, with the first program being held at Excel World in Colombo on July 19, starting at 10am and culminating with the candlelight memorial at 6.30pm.
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