NAS conducts caravan to raise awareness on HIV/AIDS

The event , held at the Kanifing Municipality was spearheaded by NAS in partnership with renowned musicians Barhama Cham and Mariama Cham.

Officials said the caravan served as a crucial platform for raising awareness, promoting prevention, and encouraging community engagement in the fight against HIV/AIDS, thus marking a united effort to address critical health challenges in The Gambia.

The HIV Caravan, they added, brought HIV-related services closer to the community, thereby offering free testing, counseling, and educational materials with a view to promoting awareness and reducing stigma.

Community engagement and collective responsibility, they went on, is key in the ongoing fight against HIV/AIDS, hence the need for stakeholders and residents to pave the way for a future where no one is left behind in accessing health care.

Speaking at the forum, Gibril Sanneh, the Regional HIV/AIDS Officer for KMC underscored the significance of the caravan, saying: “The primary objective of the initiative is to empower individuals with knowledge about HIV, encourage proactive prevention measures, and provide access to life-saving treatment and care services.”

With funding support from UNDP, he went on, “the HIV caravan delivered a comprehensive package of services, empowering individuals to know their status, combat stigma, and access vital health care.”

The innovative approach of taking services directly to the community, Sanneh said, will foster trust and encourage high participation.

The deputy Mayor of KMC, Isatou Janneh Jallow, while addressing inhabitants of Bakau, underscored the importance of community involvement in the prevention of HIV/AIDS.

“I urge everyone to get tested, know their status, and take preventive measures to curb the spread of HIV.”

While commending the community of Bakau for their turn-out, the deputy mayor also thanked Barhama Cham for his efforts in advocating and raising awareness on HIV/AIDS through music.

She described Barhama Cham as an artist with a “difference”, due to his tireless efforts in embarking on meaningful change.