On November 30, 2011, the Ministry of Health and Environment issued a press release just in time for world aids day to be observed on December 1, 2011. In the release stated that AIDS related deaths and cases among the adult population has decreased from 665 in 2004 to 333 in 2010. This represents a 50% decrease in annual AIDS deaths since univeral access to anti-retroviral (ARV) medicine has been granted in 2004. According to Dr. Nicola Skyers, Acting Director of the national HIV/STI programme, the results can be ascribed to the improvement in the monitering, care and support of persons living with HIV (PLHIV).

This information comes at a great time as the theme for world AIDS day is getting to zero.i applaud the Ministry of Health and Environment for the progress that they have made in our efforts to get the HIV and AIDS death rate down to zero.

Hi everyone!
So after preparing for numerous activities that happened on world aids day 2011, i realised that not many people truly understands the illness and often tend to avoid persons living with it. so for this post i will be posting some facts about HIV and AIDS.

What is HIV?
HIV stands for 'human immunodeficiency virus'. HIV is a virus (of the type called
retrovirus) that infects cells of the human immune system (mainly CD4 positive T cells
and macrophages—key components of the cellular immune system), and destroys or
impairs their function. Infection with this virus results in the progressive deterioration of
the immune system, leading to 'immune deficiency'.
The immune system is considered deficient when it can no longer fulfill its role of fighting
off infections and diseases. Immunodeficient people are more susceptible to a wide
range of infections, most of which are rare among people without immune deficiency.
Infections associated with severe immunodeficiency are known as 'opportunistic
infections', because they take advantage of a weakened immune system.

What is AIDS?
AIDS stands for 'acquired immunodeficiency syndrome' and is a surveillance definition
based on signs, symptoms, infections, and cancers associated with the deficiency of the
immune system that stems from infection with HIV.

What are the symptoms of HIV?
Most people infected with HIV do not know that they have become infected, because
they do not feel ill immediately after infection. However, some people at the time of
seroconversion develop “Acute retroviral syndrome” which is a glandular fever-like
illness with fever, rash, joint pains and enlarged lymph nodes.
Seroconversion refers to the development of antibodies to HIV and usually takes place
between 1 and 6 weeks after HIV infection has happened.
Whether or not HIV infection causes initial symptoms, an HIV-infected person is highly
infectious during this initial period and can transmit the virus to another person. The only
way to determine whether HIV is present in a person's body is by testing for HIV
antibodies or for HIV itself.

After HIV has caused progressive deterioration of the immune system, increased
susceptibility to infections may lead to symptoms.

HIV is staged on the basis of certain signs, symptoms, infections, and cancers grouped
by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Interim WHO clinical staging of HIV/AIDS and HIV/AIDS case definitions for surveillance

- Primary HIV infection - may be asymptomatic or experienced as Acute retroviral
syndrome
-Clinical stage 1 - asymptomatic or generalized swelling of the lymph nodes
-Clinical stage 2 - includes minor weight loss, minor mucocutaneous
manifestations, and recurrent upper respiratory tract infections
-Clinical stage 3 - includes unexplained chronic diarrhoea, unexplained persistent
fever, oral candidiasis or leukoplakia, severe bacterial infections, pulmonary
tuberculosis, and acute necrotizing inflammation in the mouth.
Some persons with clinical stage 3 have AIDS.
- Clinical stage 4 - includes 22 opportunistic infections or cancers related to HIV.
All persons with clinical stage 4 have AIDS.
Most of these conditions are opportunistic infections that can be treated easily in healthy
people.

How quickly do people infected with HIV develop AIDS?
The length of time can vary widely between individuals. The majority of people infected
with HIV, if not treated, develop signs of HIV-related illness within 5-10 years, but the
time between infection with HIV and being diagnosed with AIDS can be 10–15 years,
sometimes longer. Antiretroviral therapy can slow down disease progression to AIDS by
decreasing the infected person’s viral load.
WHO recommends initiation of antiretroviral therapy for all HIV-infected adolescents and
adults who are at clinical stage 4 or have a CD4 positive T cell count below 200 per
mm3, and for some persons who are at clinical stage 3.

So there you have it, HIV and AIDS isnt a death wish so show these persons living with HIV and AIDS love and support.

(Facts adapted from the UNAIDS website: http://www.unaids.org/en/Resources/PressCentre/FastfactsaboutHIV)

The red ribbon is an international symbol of AIDS awareness that is worn by people all year round and particularly around World AIDS Day to demonstrate care and concern about HIV and AIDS, and to remind others of the need for their support and commitment.

The red ribbon started as a "grass roots" effort; as a result there is no one official AIDS ribbon manufacturer, and many people make their own. It's easily done - just use some ordinary red ribbon and a safety pin!

If you want to take your awareness raising a step further then try finding a local event to take part in. Around the world there are hundreds of activities taking place to mark World AIDS Day, including candlelight vigils, art shows, marches and religious services. If you can't find anything in your area then why not organise an event yourself?

The theme for World AIDS Day 2011 is 'Getting to Zero'. After 30 years of the global fight against HIV/AIDS, this year the global community has committed to focusing on achieving 3 targets:

"Zero new HIV infections. Zero discrimination. Zero AIDS-related deaths".2

In 2010, there were 2.7 million new HIV infections and 1.8 million people died from AIDS.3 Moreover, in 2011 people living with HIV were still subject to restrictions on their travel and/or stay in 47 countries, territories and areas.

As AVERT.org shows, the global HIV epidemic is extremely diverse, with both similarities and differences between regions, countries, provinces and communities. However, in order to meet the challenge of 'Getting to Zero' the global community must work together to achieve universal access to HIV prevention, treatment and care.

World AIDS Day provides an opportunity for all of us - individuals, communities and political leaders - to take on the challenge of getting to zero.
 and remember to blog blog blog tomorrow.

It dawned on me recently that many people dont know what sexual health is, so for this blog i think i should try my best to explain what it is all about.

first lets define the terms sexual, health. the word sexual is defined by answers.com as
•Of, relating to, involving, or characteristic of sex, sexuality, the sexes, or the sex organs and their functions 2.Implying or symbolizing erotic desires or activity.

while the word health is defined as, the condition of being sound in body, mind, or spirit; especially : freedom from physical disease or pain. so what is sexual health?

The World Health Organization defines sexual health as "a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being related to sexuality; it is not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction or infirmity. Sexual health requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free of coercion, discrimination and violence. For sexual health to be attained and maintained, the sexual rights of all persons must be respected, protected and fulfilled." 

but i believe that sexual health includes far more than avoiding disease or unplanned pregnancy. i believe it is being comfrtable in my own skin and understanding the changes in my mind and body as i have gotten older, i also think its being able to speak comfortably and openly about sex.

i really do hope this blog post was informative.
 

I read an article in the observer   where senator Marlene Malahoo-Forte was interviewed regarding the Jamaican Government  seeking health partners from the diaspora, the article spoke of the government being un-able to provide sufficient and effective health care (my words)
“There is a genuine need for improved healthcare in Jamaica but, unfortunately, at this time the Government is not able to provide (all that is needed), and this is why partnerships with the Ministry of Health becomes so critical,” she said. even though this in fact a great effort to improve health care in jamaica there is one concern that i have, how will people acess this as it is already a tedious task to even get to a hospital, and how will people living with HIV and AIDS benefit, as they tend to face discrimnation when they use these facilities, I think what we need to do is try to educate the healthcare personel at these public and private institutions and ensure that they do their best to assist and make the patients comfortable.what we should do is evaluate how beneficial this whole free healthcare thing is, dnt get me wrong i really do think that this is great effort on the governments part to try to alleviate numerous issues the ministry of health faces and yes the diaspora should contribute because no matter what we are all jamaicans, but i am tired of seeing these big press confrences lauding the progress of one thing the government has done, i think we should quit the press confrences and pay attention to the matter at hand the health of our jamaicans.

 

so i was helping my cousin with her sex education home work on contraceptives and "ran" into this article and i decided to share. hope you find it informative... i certainly did.

Increased condom use in Jamaica.

Figueroa JP, Brathwaite AR, Samiel S, Weller P, Byfield L, Wedderburn M; International Conference on AIDS.

Int Conf AIDS. 1994 Aug 7-12; 10: 280 (abstract no. PC0495).
Epidemiology Unit, Ministry of Health, Kingston, Jamaica W.I.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of condom promotion programs by estimating condom use among Jamaican adults between 1988 and 1993. METHODS: Three National KAP surveys were conducted in 1988, 1989 and 1993. In each survey between 1120 and 1200 adults aged 15-49 years were randomly selected with approximately equal numbers of males and females interviewed. RESULTS: Unprompted knowledge of condoms as a method to prevent AIDS increased from 25% of the sample in 1988 to 63% in 1989 and 81% in 1993. Ever use of condoms increased from 53% in 1989 to 79% in 1993. Consistent condom use (every time or most times) with one's main partner increased from 27% in 1989 to 41% in 1993. Condom use was higher among the younger adults, those who were single and with secondary partners. Some 41% of respondents were of the view that "condoms are used only by persons with many partners" and 14% felt that condoms are embarrassing to use. The number of persons reporting two or more sex partners in the past four-weeks showed little change between 1988 and 1993 (11%, 17%, 14% respectively). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Awareness of AIDS and how it is prevented is high in Jamaica (over 90%) and condom use has increased due to sustained condom promotion programs. All sexually active adults are encouraged to use the condom everytime. Nevertheless, there remains a significant number of persons with multiple sex partners who do not use condoms.

i know its a bit random but i found it fun =D

Comprehensive education aims to reduce the risks of potentially negative outcomes from sexual behavior, such as unwanted or unplanned pregnancies and infection with sexually transmitted diseases including HIV. It also aims to contribute to young people’s positive experience of their sexuality.
The research has shown it time and time again: Abstinence-only education doesn't affect the rates at which teenagers decide to have sex. Given that the primary purpose of abstinence-only education is to do exactly that, it is clear that it doesn't work. Comprehensive sex education doesn't discourage kids from having sex either, but at least it does teach them how to do so more safely.

Boys Want to Be Men, So Teach Them to Be Good Men
Part of staying healthy is seeking appropriate health care. As males age, many of them stop going for preventative health care, which limits the opportunities they have to be screened for, among other things, STDs. A recent study in Pediatrics found that parents who talk to their male children about sex are more likely to have boys who go to the doctor. It's all about setting a good example. One of the biggest risk factors for not seeking care is holding traditional views about masculinity. It's important that young men learn early that taking care of their health is one of the most manly things they can do.

So since the last post I’ve been thinking what should I blog about this time.. and it dawned on me. Why not blog about stereotyping and how it affects ones development?
Stereotyping has existed for centuries and even in today's modern world continues to rear its head. You would think in a progressive society, stereotypes would be washed away, but even today it is not uncommon for people to have a tendency to place stereotypes on one another.
Being criticized for the way you walk and talk and even the way you dress is wrong, we do not know what an individual goes through in there life. So calling someone Gay because they speak English or they wear nice clothes and they don’t look like you or calling a girl a slut because she unfortunately became pregnant while attending high school is not only wrong but you have no idea how it affects that person mentally.
How can we stop stereotyping?
By eliminating misconceptions, it opens up for diversity of opinions, ideas or innovative solutions due to the uniqueness of personalities. People who stereotype shut themselves out by not embracing the wonders of diversity and instead focus on untrue assumptions; much can be learned from one another when a conscious attempt to not generalize is made.
While stereotypes will unfortunately continue to exist, if society focuses on open communication and develops a tolerance for understanding differences, this will hopefully eventually lead to erasure of some of these misconceived stereotyped preconceptions. We don’t know what the situation of the next person is so let’s just approach one another with an open mind.
M.A.P.

 So its summer and for can’t afford the dream vacation in Europe or the Americas we just simply have to stay at home. Now you may be wondering where he is going with this? So let me tell you. For my very first blog on amplifyyourvoice.com, I’m going to share some tips on how to enjoy the 16-8 weeks break we get from school I know it’s not something often found on amplifyyourvoice.com but to be honest I like to switch things up a little bit and since a blog can be about ANYTHING you want it to be I chose this so here goes;
Tips:
1-Hang out at the mall with friends- this is mainly done by youth in their early teens who may want to call up a few of their friends and “jam” at the food court and hanging out with some good food and talking about who knows what.
2-have a pool party (if you have one) - so you are home with nothing to do and you are fortunate to have a pool in your back yard, why not call over a few of your friends and have an impromptu party all you need are a few things like some really good music some snacks and a pool!!!!, for those who don’t have a pool have a water party, get some empty buckets, pans, balloons and a hose and have yourselves a jolly good time.
3- visit the grandparents- now this suggestion is kind of a tough cookie as many teens don’t have any interest at all in going to the countryside for a few “boring” days with good old grandma but we need to appreciate having people that have trotted the earth before us and have experience many things before us. We need to keep in mind that with age comes wisdom.
4-read a book- this is an all-time summer favourite of mine which I’m not yet to do for summer 2011, reading takes you into another world and your book is your passport.
5-take a trip to the beach: a stroll down white sands and a dip in the ocean can be one of the most fun and relaxing thing you can do by yourself or with friends. Be sure to wear sun block 
6- go hiking- pack some water put on a pair of suitable shoes and go for a stroll. It doesn’t have to be up a mountain but in a park or around your community. The fresh air will make you feel refreshed and you will not regret it. Remember to tell someone before you leave home.
7- get cultured- visit museums art galleries and historical sites. This will not only educate you but will also add some diversity to your personality and make you a well-rounded individual.
8-have a blast at a concert- its summer and the music scene is in full swing. Ask your parents/guardians for permission and get your tickets and enjoy yourself with friends responsibly.
9-volunteer- there are so many things happening this summer, the various summer camps and other summer programmes are out there and they need your help so do something charitable and volunteer at one of these programmes.
10-prepare for school- this is stressful year for many people but the fun part is going shopping for books clothes and shoes and boost your “swag” for the new school year. Visit your favourite stores and check out stores for sales and discounts to get more bang for your buck.