Jamaican women living with HIV/AIDS who are uncertain where to go for assistance due to fear of being stigmatised can turn to Eve for Life.
The non-governmental organisation recently received US$43,000 from the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) to coordinate and implement two new programmes – Self Motivated and Responsible Teenagers (SMART) and Vocal and Informed Teens: To Plan and Prevent.
Through the grant, the work of Eve for Life will be enhanced to support various initiatives that will reach individuals who are not among the groups of men who have sex with men or sex workers.
In a recent press release, Caribbean Regional Director of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation Dr Kevin Harvey said, “Our adolescent girls and young women must be provided with the opportunities and spaces to be empowered, regardless of their status. Giving a voice to the voiceless is creating a platform for change. This is part of our overall efforts to strengthen the national HIV response.”
Outreach programmes that will be funded by the grant are those that focus on promoting safer sexual practices among young women, providing psychological support, and providing medical services such as testing and medication.
The AHF partnered with Eve For Life as the organisation has a broad reach and is more accessible to persons who may not want to seek treatment through the normal healthcare system for reasons such as finances, stigma, or the safety of their families.
