by Linda Straker
On Wednesday, UNAIDS will launch the findings of a public opinion poll conducted in Grenada during January 2014 on the issues of sex education in schools, adolescents’ access to condoms, contraceptives and attitudes to homosexuals.
The launch is part of the activities for a two–day workshop that will be held at the Flamboyant Hotel Conference room, and is centered on the theme: “Bridging the Gap” — Advocacy surrounding HIV and Sexual Reproductive Health & Rights for Young People .
Taking place in collaboration with UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund) and UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation), the two–day workshop is aimed at empowering young people from Grenada, other OECS countries, and Barbados, to advocate for their sexual and reproductive health and rights.
Minister for Health and Social Security, the Hon. Dr Clarice Modeste, will address the government’s commitment to involve youth in the national response to issues including child sexual abuse, teen pregnancy and HIV.
There will also be remarks from Dr Miriam Chipimo–Strategic Intervention Adviser, UNAIDS Caribbean Regional Support Team; De-Jane Gibbons–Assistant Representative, UNFPA Barbados and the OECS; Keriann Hurley–Youth Development Officer, Barbados Family Planning Association; Richie Maitland–Co-director, Groundation Grenada; Salorne Mc Donald–Chief Executive Officer, and Jabulous Donnya Piggott, Director, Barbados Gays Lesbians and All-Sexuals against Discrimination; and Ferosa Roache Focal Point, Communicable Diseases, Family Healthcare and Immunisation, Ministry of Health, St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
UNAIDS, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, is an innovative United Nations partnership that leads and inspires the world in achieving universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support.