https://reasonstobecheerful.world/hiv-testing-carnival-nigeria/
"It’s about 11 a.m., and a small crowd has already gathered at the 11:11
Roundabout in Calabar, a city in Nigeria’s Cross River State. This spot marks
the starting point of the annual Calabar Festival and Carnival, a month-long
celebration known as “Africa’s biggest party.” Rachel Idim, holding a pack of
condoms in one hand and a pamphlet in the other, occasionally sways her head to
the rhythm of the music blaring from the large speakers on one of the many
trucks lined up for the event. Fully embracing the carnival spirit, Idim has
half of her face painted, a blue cape draped around her neck, and a matching
hat.
“Come, give me that one,” someone calls to Idim, pointing at the condoms. She
signals to a colleague to join her as she approaches the barricade.
“You sabi your HIV status?” she asks in Nigerian Pidgin English, addressing a
small group that quickly gathers around her. She explains how HIV is
transmitted, how it can be prevented, and the free HIV testing services
available at a nearby booth. After sharing the information, she distributes the
condoms and pamphlets.
Idim is a volunteer with the Wise Up Campaign, an initiative by the local
office of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to increase HIV testing
rates in the state and ultimately reduce transmission of the disease. Although
the campaign’s services are open to everyone, its primary focus is on young
people: It employs innovative strategies to connect with this demographic,
recognizing youth as a high-risk group with significant potential to drive
positive change.
“The goal for all of us is to reach as many people as possible, speak to them
about the virus and ensure they are comfortable enough to walk to the booth,”
says Idim. “We talk to them in a way that feels natural and comfortable.”"
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
