The Bahamas AIDS Foundation held a Meet and Greet at the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas recently, affording members of the public the opportunity to hear from key figures on the frontlines of the fight against HIV and AIDS in The Bahamas – raising awareness and spurring others to join the cause in the fight against this potentially life threatening disease.

Welcoming attendees was AIDS Foundation President Camille, Lady Barnett, who emphasized the importance of local involvement in helping the Foundation to do its invaluable work.

“We want to share information about HIV and AIDS in The Bahamas to inform you on how you can help in the fight. This is a Call to Action. While we may be making progress as a nation in the fight against HIV and AIDS, there is a lot of work left to be done. We need more volunteers and supporters in order to win this fight.”

Presenting at the event on the state of HIV/AIDS in The Bahamas was Manager of the HIV/AIDS Centre, Nurse Marva Jervis, who spoke briefly about the progress that has been made locally in the fight against HIV/AIDS, including lower overall rates of infection and death within the country.

“In the old days, death followed me. I worked at All Saints Camp and there could be as many as three to five deaths a week: a number which has now been reduced to about one per month.

Nationally, in 2013 we had 117 deaths, which is a big deal for us. Persons with HIV in The Bahamas are living longer, healthier lives and we now know that there is light at the end of the tunnel.” shared Nurse Jervis.

Despite the strides that have been made, President Barnett encouraged attendees to see the fight through to the end.

With plans to erect a new building at the current site, as well as all of the funding and personnel needed to manage initiatives such as the adolescents outreach program, the food/clothing bank, World AIDS Day activities, the purchase of medications, and the Men’s Health Initiative just to name a few, there is a definite need for donations and volunteers to aid with the vast amounts of work that the Foundation is doing within the local community.

Bahamians from all backgrounds are encouraged to contact the AIDS Foundation to get involved. Current volunteer needs include skilled labor, academic tutoring, counselling, IT persons and event/fundraising personnel. To help support the fight against HIV/AIDS in the community or to make a donation to the AIDS Foundation, you can contact them via phone at 242-325-9326, or Mail Box CB 12003 or via email at aidsfoundationbahamas@yahoo.com.

The Bahamas AIDS Foundation also has Bill Pay at CIBC First Caribbean.