#warwickunicef

World Aids day is celebrated every year on 1 December. It is a day to remind people of this deadly disease, spread awareness and fight the prejudices associated with it. UNICEF has been working relentlessly in 190 countries to reverse the spread of this pandemic. Its efforts are primarily divided across first and second decades of life.  

 First Decade of Life

One of the primary reasons for increase in the number of AIDS related cases is due to transmission of HIV virus to new born infants through breast-feeding. What’s disturbing is that most HIV infected mothers don’t know that they can prevent the transmission of the HIV virus. In addition to this, there is lack of health care facilities, life saving drugs and personnel that worsens the situation. PMTCT (prevention of mother-to- child transmission of HIV) is an intervention that provides essential drugs, counseling and psychological support to help mothers safeguard their children against this deadly virus. UNICEF reaches out to HIV infected women around the globe and provides them with access to antiretroviral treatment. This treatment not only protects the mother but also prevents transmission to her child According to the statistics by UNICEF, 62% of the HIV infected women have received antiretroviral drugs. This is a positive step towards the creating an AIDS free World.

Second Decade of Life

 As per UNICEF, lack of access to testing, treatment, and counseling has contributed to the rise in AIDS related deaths among adolescents. In 2012, 2.1 million people aged 10-19 were living with HIV.  These adolescents also face a multitude of barriers that limits their access to HIV prevention, treatment and care. UNICEF works with governments, Non-profit and youth organizations to both prevent and protect adolescents from the HIV virus. It encourages mass movements and campaigns aimed towards reducing the transmission of HIV among adolescents as well as eliminating the social stigmas associated with it. At the same time it also provides framework for governments and voluntary organizations to encourage the use of condoms, provide proper treatment, social protection and care to HIV infected patients. To add on, UNICEF also focuses on empowerment of adolescents by addressing issues of violence and vulnerability.

  At the micro level UNICEF has also collaborated with universities to augment their efforts in spreading awareness about HIV/AIDS.

 Warwick UNICEF on campus; through its project the Warwick World AIDS Awareness Project (WWAAP), has taken significant steps in spreading awareness among the youth. The main objective of the project is to spread awareness related to the main contemporary issues surrounding HIV/AIDS in the region and globally. Issues include; stigmatization, possible treatment, prevention and awareness on sexual health.

The project had events beginning from 20th November that concluded on 1st December- World AIDS Awareness Day. This year the WWAAP began with LINE’S fashion show, followed by a night out at Leamington Spa’s Altoria, done in collaboration with the Economics society. As part of the ‘Talks Day’, which focuses on having conferences headed by an international panel; a conference was held with speakers from Europe. The speakers of this year’s panel included, Dr. Jonathan Cave, senior research fellow at the University of Warwick Economics Department, Mick Matthews, Former consultant at the Global Fund, Geneva, Dr. Kweuku Ackom, health advisor and focal person for issues related to HIV/AIDS at the International Medical Corps, London and Jackie Redding, Service Director at the Terrence Higgins Trust. The talks covered topics ranging from- Socio-economic responses to HIV/AIDS and the prospect of using economic instruments to address its challenges, one life, and one battle: living with AIDS, Expanding CHP (Combination HIV Prevention), Interventions to female Sex Workers in Kenya and HIV in the UK – Immigration, treatment, testing and prevention.

The talks were followed by a discussion on the topic of ‘Rights for HIV positive people and can a change in behavior surpass medication’, with questions by the audience. A film screening of ‘Dallas Buyers’ Club’ was also held.

As part of Atrium day where information about AIDS is displayed; there were several performances by many societies. The event was done in collaboration with Warwick Amnesty, Warwick Pride, Economics Society and the Good Food Society.

It is important to sensitize people about HIV/AIDS and its treatment, provide community connectedness and create awareness; these serve as major factors in lessening the risk and develop healthy coping skills thus ensuring that people overcome the taboos associated with it. Thus, your involvement in the efforts of Warwick UNICEF on Campus will help take the endeavor of the WWAAP further.

Joining Warwick UNICEF on Campus was the best decision I have made during my time at university so far. I already knew a lot about UNICEF’s work and came to Warwick with the intention to join this society but it turned out to be so much more than I had imagined.

I was one of the two Freshers Representatives last year which was a remarkable experience as it gave me the opportunity to get more involved and work closely with the Exec and the Sub-Committee. As aFreshers Rep my main task was marketing the society’s events on campus among freshers. We were handing out flyers, doing kitchen runs, putting up posters on campus and had stalls in the SU Atrium at bigger events such as Charity Day. I was also involved in most projects last year including Mission24, the School’s Project and EntertAID. All the funds we raised were going towards the work UNICEF is undertaking in Syria and the Philippines for example and contributing to this is a very rewarding feeling. Being an active member of this society makes me feel like I am part of something bigger and that every little thing you do matters and can help.