SAVE OUR NEEDY
Creating change... Transforming lives.
SON AIDS Awareness Program
Today, HIV and AIDS have reached epidemic proportions in many developing countries and the impact in Africa is felt in every sphere of life.
35 million people are currently living with HIV/AIDS, including 69% in Sub-Saharan Africa, making it the most heavily affected region in the world.
Several factors have been responsible for this epidemic spread including poverty, high population density, presence of multi-ethnic group, multiple sex partners and, a lack of proper HIV/AIDS and sex education for young people.
Millions of children in Africa have been orphaned by the dreaded disease called AIDS. These children suffer from malnutrition. They have been forced to abandon school because their new caregivers cannot afford to pay their tuition.
Under this program, awareness is created and increased on the prevention of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases (STIs) among women and young people living in low-income, high population density areas through massive public awareness campaigns. They are particularly sensitized on the importance of adopting safer sexual behavior. Voluntary HIV testing and counselling (VCT) is also provided.
People living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) are educated on their rights as human beings and educated on ways in which they can contribute to making the world AIDS free. Stringent measures are also taken to fight stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS particularly women and children.
Save Our Needy joined the rest of the world on Sunday, May 15th, to mark the 33rd International AIDS Candlelight Memorial under the theme "Light Up The Beach."
The event which held at Elegushi Beach, Lagos, was an opportunity to honor all those who have passed away from AIDS. In a relaxed ambience, participants were better educated and informed about basic facts of HIV/AIDS by Mr. Motunrayo Adebayo, a facilitator from the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA).
One of the high points of the event was the interactive session with Chioma, who discovered her HIV status at the age of 15. She had unfortunately been subjected to contaminated blood transfusion at the age of 3! She relived her experiences which induced gasps from everyone present. It was indeed eye opening.