 |
|
|
 News from Around Banderas Bay | December 2007 
Puerto Vallarta Commemorates World AIDS Day
 Paul Crist - Vallarta Enfrenta el SIDA, A.C.
| Puerto Vallarta commemorated World AIDS Day with several hundred Vallartenses dressed in white, carrying banners, and distributing information along the Malecón while accompanied by a marching band.
|
| | Mayor Javier Bravo Carbajal was represented by Lic. Marcelo Mantecón, who affirmed our local government's commitment to continuing the fight against HIV in our city. | 
| | Dr. Carlos Castro, Public Health Director for the Puerto Vallarta Region commended the extraordinary work of our local HIV clinic known as CAPSITS. | 
| | Paul Crist, President of Vallarta Enfrenta el SIDA, A.C. encouraged young people to protect themselves, and asked the community to educate themselves, avoid discrimination against those living with HIV, and to offer assistance to those affected. | 
| | Emma Teresa Robles, the Director of COMUSIDA, promised to continue the efforts of the municipal HIV agency in the areas of prevention and education. |
On December 5th, Puerto Vallarta commemorated World AIDS Day, beginning with a march along the Malecón. At 9 am, several hundred Vallartenses, dressed in white, carrying banners, and distributing information, stepped off from Parque Hidalgo and made their way to Los Arcos, accompanied by music provided by members of a local marching band.
Participants included students from local schools, concerned adults of all ages, elected and public health officials, and representatives of local HIV/AIDS organizations.
Mayor Javier Bravo Carbajal was represented by Lic. Marcelo Mantecón, who affirmed our local government's commitment to continuing the fight against HIV in our city. Other speakers included Dr. Carlos Castro, Public Health Director for the Puerto Vallarta Region, who commended the extraordinary work of our local HIV clinic known as CAPSITS, and spoke of the high incidence of HIV infection in our community.
Paul Crist, President of Vallarta Enfrenta el SIDA, A.C. encouraged young people to protect themselves, and asked the community to educate themselves, avoid discrimination against those living with HIV, and to offer assistance to those affected. Emma Teresa Robles of COMUSIDA promised to continue the efforts of the municipal HIV agency in the areas of prevention and education. The message of all speakers was that the best choice by far is protecting oneself from infection.
Following the speeches, a lively musical program was presented and the public was invited to visit the booths of Vallarta Enfrenta el SIDA and CAPASITS, where free, confidential, rapid HIV testing was offered throughout the day, along with counseling and information by trained staff and volunteers.
In the Americas, Mexico has the third highest number of HIV positive individuals, after the United States and Brazil. In Mexico, Puerto Vallarta occupies fourth place in the number of cases, after Mexico D.F., Mexico state, and Veracruz. In Jalisco, only metropolitan Guadalajara has more cases than Puerto Vallarta. Clearly, HIV is an issue everyone in Puerto Vallarta must take very seriously.
It is important to make clear that everyone can be vulnerable to HIV infection, and each one of us has the power to stop the spread of the virus, by the choices we make. Education and information are the keys to stopping the spread of HIV. Education about HIV eliminates the ignorance, the fear, and the taboos surrounding this disease.
Getting tested and knowing one's status is essential to protect yourself and others. Young people are particularly vulnerable to HIV infection, and it is vitally important that issues of sexuality and sexually transmitted diseases are discussed in the home and in schools by knowledgeable individuals.
HIV affects men, women, heterosexuals and homosexuals, young and old. It is simply a virus, and does not discriminate in favor or against any group. It happens to be spread principally by sexual activities, and infection can happen to anyone. It should not be an excuse to discriminate, to reject, to blame, or to hate.
God's message to all of us is to love one another, to avoid judging others, and to help those who are in need. We are all human, and we don't always follow God's message as we should, but let us pledge to TRY to remember that message when dealing with our family members, our co-workers, our friends and our neighbors who are living with HIV. Love them. Don't judge them. They need you. And let us all pledge "HIV stops with me."
The mission of Vallarta Enfrenta el SIDA, A.C. is to successfully reduce the number of new cases of HIV infection in Puerto Vallarta and to assist persons and families already affected with HIV by providing the most current and comprehensive information, counseling and assistance available. For information, call Vallarta Enfrenta el SIDA. A.C. at (322) 223-0535. |
| |
|
Vallarta Weddings
Tell a Friend
Site Map
Print this Page
Email Us