Prevention of HIV Transmission
In addition to the school-based youth presentation activities and programs implemented by BMSF, the foundation provides the public with condom vending machines. The machines installed in public restrooms make condom use accessible for the community. BMSF monitors condoms update from the vending machines as well as a community-wide attitude change towards condom use. Condoms, lubricants and information materials are made available in sachets that are freely available at our office in Windwardside, at the A. M Edwards Medical Center in The Bottom and the Saba Comprehensive School in St. John’s. The public is becoming less reluctant to access these resources and distribution of condoms during the Saba Summer Festivals has become an accepted fixture lauded for curbing not just STI and HIV transmission but also for eliminating unwanted pregnancies historically related to these annual festivities.
Knowledge and Behavior
The BMSF is monitoring through community-wide and youth-specific surveys the level of awareness about HIV and STI transmission as well as attitudes about free, confidential HIV testing and counseling. Years of research and numerous studies have linked the following behaviors to increased risk of HIV transmission: Early initiation of sexual activity, multiple sex partners for both men and women, inconsistent condom use, social taboos preventing teaching or discussion of sex with young people, commercial sex work and drug use, both intravenous drug use (direct) and other substance abuse.
Social structure and culture have a significant impact on these health behaviors. The unique structure and size of the Saban population might reflect into some of the noticed behavior, especially among youth. Many girls and boys reported that they avoid going to hospital for testing and for suspected STIs due to anonymity issues. The culture in Saba, like in the whole of the Caribbean promotes increased risk of alcohol consumption among youth as well as early initiation of sex.
Treatment, Care and Quality of Life for PLHIV
The goals are to provide full coverage of anti-retroviral therapy for all PLHIV, free supported counseling services, make services and tools available for appropriate diagnosis and treatment of STIs and to create an environment on Saba that allows PLHIV to discuss their condition openly and without any inhibition, fear of stigma and discrimination.
Confidential counseling services for PLHIV and/or their families, at more advanced levels of concern in a number of areas, continues to be offered through the “buddy system” (PLHIV registered as trained counselors). The BMSF made it possible for health care providers who are already involved with the organization’s efforts to update their knowledge through an online training organized and held by the Health [e] Foundation, to improve medical care for PLHIV.
Stigma and Discrimination against HIV+ people
There have been no known reported cases of discrimination against PLHIV or other HIV-related activities. The BMSF is noticing a visible increase in interest for the organization’s awareness activities and campaigns. The increased level of awareness about transmission had substantially reduced the level of discrimination experienced by PLHIV on Saba. Sustained multi-media awareness campaigns remain a feature of the BMSF’s efforts together with youth education programs. Many shopping stores and public offices also act as distribution spots for the BMSF Quarterly Newsletter, “Body, Mind and Spirit.” In addition to featuring the foundation’s community efforts and regional developments related to discrimination against the HIV+ and the LGBTI Caribbean community, the newsletter fosters greater awareness about healthy lifestyle choices.
Human Rights monitoring and promotion
The BMSF is engaged in human rights monitoring and promotion efforts focused on prevention of workplace discrimination based on health status and/or sexual orientation. We lobby for respect and acceptance of an individual’s identity. To achieve this we organize regular multi-media campaigns designed to create awareness and debunk preconceptions about the sexual and behavioral diversity. We promote community-level partnerships with stakeholder public and non-governmental organizations in human rights monitoring and promotion. We are an active member organization in the Dutch Caribbean regional LGBTI lobby entity titled Pink Orange Alliance working closely with COC Netherlands the peer organization that represents the interests of the minority at a national level. Our core belief in diversity, inclusion, respect and accountability is reflected in our attempts to bridge divides and incorporate faith-based organizations within our programs. Such incorporation targets the creating of a safe and healthy environment for self-expression that allows each individual to develop their full potential.
In addition to the school-based youth presentation activities and programs implemented by BMSF, the foundation provides the public with condom vending machines. The machines installed in public restrooms make condom use accessible for the community. BMSF monitors condoms update from the vending machines as well as a community-wide attitude change towards condom use. Condoms, lubricants and information materials are made available in sachets that are freely available at our office in Windwardside, at the A. M Edwards Medical Center in The Bottom and the Saba Comprehensive School in St. John’s. The public is becoming less reluctant to access these resources and distribution of condoms during the Saba Summer Festivals has become an accepted fixture lauded for curbing not just STI and HIV transmission but also for eliminating unwanted pregnancies historically related to these annual festivities.
Knowledge and Behavior
The BMSF is monitoring through community-wide and youth-specific surveys the level of awareness about HIV and STI transmission as well as attitudes about free, confidential HIV testing and counseling. Years of research and numerous studies have linked the following behaviors to increased risk of HIV transmission: Early initiation of sexual activity, multiple sex partners for both men and women, inconsistent condom use, social taboos preventing teaching or discussion of sex with young people, commercial sex work and drug use, both intravenous drug use (direct) and other substance abuse.
Social structure and culture have a significant impact on these health behaviors. The unique structure and size of the Saban population might reflect into some of the noticed behavior, especially among youth. Many girls and boys reported that they avoid going to hospital for testing and for suspected STIs due to anonymity issues. The culture in Saba, like in the whole of the Caribbean promotes increased risk of alcohol consumption among youth as well as early initiation of sex.
Treatment, Care and Quality of Life for PLHIV
The goals are to provide full coverage of anti-retroviral therapy for all PLHIV, free supported counseling services, make services and tools available for appropriate diagnosis and treatment of STIs and to create an environment on Saba that allows PLHIV to discuss their condition openly and without any inhibition, fear of stigma and discrimination.
Confidential counseling services for PLHIV and/or their families, at more advanced levels of concern in a number of areas, continues to be offered through the “buddy system” (PLHIV registered as trained counselors). The BMSF made it possible for health care providers who are already involved with the organization’s efforts to update their knowledge through an online training organized and held by the Health [e] Foundation, to improve medical care for PLHIV.
Stigma and Discrimination against HIV+ people
There have been no known reported cases of discrimination against PLHIV or other HIV-related activities. The BMSF is noticing a visible increase in interest for the organization’s awareness activities and campaigns. The increased level of awareness about transmission had substantially reduced the level of discrimination experienced by PLHIV on Saba. Sustained multi-media awareness campaigns remain a feature of the BMSF’s efforts together with youth education programs. Many shopping stores and public offices also act as distribution spots for the BMSF Quarterly Newsletter, “Body, Mind and Spirit.” In addition to featuring the foundation’s community efforts and regional developments related to discrimination against the HIV+ and the LGBTI Caribbean community, the newsletter fosters greater awareness about healthy lifestyle choices.
Human Rights monitoring and promotion
The BMSF is engaged in human rights monitoring and promotion efforts focused on prevention of workplace discrimination based on health status and/or sexual orientation. We lobby for respect and acceptance of an individual’s identity. To achieve this we organize regular multi-media campaigns designed to create awareness and debunk preconceptions about the sexual and behavioral diversity. We promote community-level partnerships with stakeholder public and non-governmental organizations in human rights monitoring and promotion. We are an active member organization in the Dutch Caribbean regional LGBTI lobby entity titled Pink Orange Alliance working closely with COC Netherlands the peer organization that represents the interests of the minority at a national level. Our core belief in diversity, inclusion, respect and accountability is reflected in our attempts to bridge divides and incorporate faith-based organizations within our programs. Such incorporation targets the creating of a safe and healthy environment for self-expression that allows each individual to develop their full potential.
