World AIDS Day 2004, 1 December 2004

National Society activities in America and the Carribbean

Argentina
On 7 December the Argentine Red Cross signed a Co-operation Agreement with the Argentine Network of PLWHA (REDAR+). A result of several years of working together, the agreement outlines areas of cooperation including the reduction of stigma and discrimination.
It was signed in the presence of the Deputy Minister of Health, the National Secretary for Prevention, the Global Fund Director in Argentina and representatives from the drugs laboratories. The Vice-Chairman of the National Society gave a speech in which she said that although much can still be done, the ARC had worked diligently to become a friendlier organization for PLWHA.

Barbados
The Barbados Red Cross conducted activities, such as the painted hands pledges, in schools that have Red Cross Youth Links, and distributed red ribbons and literature with emphasis on the anti- stigma campaign. Additionally, activities were held in the main city centre of Bridgetown, the capital of Barbados, where HIV/AIDS-related material and ribbons were distributed. The coordination of these activities was done by members of the Red Cross Youth Commission and others who serve as Instructor Trainers in the Red Cross HIV/AIDS Peer Education Programme.

British Virgin Islands
In conjunction with the National AIDS Co-ordinator the National Society organized their annual Symbolic Walk, which aimed to bring about greater awareness in the fight against HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discrimination. Individuals who signed up for the march received a special T-shirt. In addition to the march there were guest performances by local artists as well as a guest speaker.

Canada
On World AIDS Day the Canadian Red Cross expressed their solidarity with communities of people living with HIV/AIDS around the world and reaffirmed their commitment to respond with quality programming in HIV/AIDS. The National Society additionally expressed their opinion that humanitarian needs and concerns should prevail over commercial concerns to ensure access to life-saving drugs and new prevention technologies in developing countries.

Ecuador
Two video conferences on HIV/AIDS, a concert with youth groups and several interviews with the media on HIV/AIDS were organized. Anti-discrimination information was disseminated and 'The truth about AIDS. Pass it on…' campaign was promoted.

Grenada
The Grenada Red Cross linked with the Ministry of Health’s National AIDS Program for their Motorcade on World AIDS Day. Sixty young volunteers from the National Society joined the motorcade and a banner with the theme and the National Society logo was held aloft.

Jamaica
Under the theme: “Women Girls and HIV/AIDS, Confronting the Crisis” the Jamaica Red Cross and partners organized a march titled ‘Woman 2000 HIV March’. It involved female leaders from various sectors including culture, entertainment, business, faith and media. Through media coverage of the event the HIV message was sent nationally.

Montserat
On Sunday, 28 November a church service was conducted to mark World AIDS Day. On the following day there was a panel discussion on Radio Montserrat themed: “The role of young people intact with HIV/AIDS”. Panellists included peer educators, PLWHA from St. Vincent and a pastor. On Tuesday, 30 November a debate was held with the title: “Confidentiality is the only way to prevent Discrimination”.

Peru
The Peruvian Red Cross attracted enormous media attention and was featured in several media (print, radio and television) reports with the aim of addressing issues related to HIV/AIDS and showing solidarity with PLWHA. The newspaper reports and radio and television interviews discussed topics such as access and obstacles to antiretroviral treatment and issues affecting PLWHA such as ‘positive living’.

Paraguay
Paraguay Red Cross volunteers presented a play titled "Uncertain destiny", describing the discrimination that PLWHA encounter. This play took place in one of the most vulnerable districts of the capital, where a Paraguayan music group also performed and volunteers distributed HIV related information.

Saba
The Saba Red Cross Society distributed information on HIV/AIDS to the public from 1 December until Saba Day, 3 December.

Suriname
The Surinamese Youth Red Cross was involved in a World AIDS Day Expo from 29 November to 4 December with the Suriname HIV/AIDS Network. Additionally a Love Candle Walk was held on 1 December and on 5 December the commemoration continued during the marking of International Volunteers Day.

Uruguay
Red Cross volunteers participated in advocacy activities in all Red Cross training courses. On 8 December a walk titled 'For life' was held from the National Society headquarters to a nearby park, where a stand with information on HIV/AIDS was erected. During a Christmas party held by the youth volunteers, a local NGO that provides assistance to people living with HIV/AIDS received toys and sweets collected by the volunteers. A special round table to discuss "HIV infection in children, a bio-psychosocial focus" was organized on 14 December.

Venezuala
HIV/AIDS-related leaflets were distributed in all hospitals run by the National Society, in addition to students, universities, fire fighters, civil defence and search and rescue teams. Volunteers from the National Society distributed condoms, leaflets, stickers and information about the Venezuelan Red Cross programmes at shopping centres and cinemas. Information was also disseminated on radio, television and in newspapers.