Fundashon Mariadal’s outpatient clinic for infectious diseases, in collaboration with STD Aids Netherlands, has conducted a successful awareness campaign around HIV. The campaign aimed to increase knowledge, increase HIV testing and reduce stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV.
The past few weeks have been dedicated to various activities, including:
- An open day with information about HIV, testing, counseling and treatment.
- HIV conference with experts from Aruba, Curaçao and the Netherlands. The importance of cooperation between the islands was emphasized. The candid testimony of someone living with HIV provided a powerful moment of awareness.
- An inspiring awareness walk with great public involvement.
The focus was N=N
N=N stands for: Not detectable = Not transmissible. This means that someone with HIV who follows treatment correctly will have such a low amount of the virus in the blood that it is undetectable. This means that the virus cannot be transmitted through sexual contact. This has been proven by several medical studies worldwide.
Purpose of the campaign
- More testing for HIV. We call on everyone to get tested and know their HIV status. Testing can save lives.
- Encourage medical care. We encourage people living with HIV to seek care and follow their treatment.
- Reduce stigma. We want to break stigma and discrimination surrounding HIV through information and awareness.
What next?
We are only at the beginning. We will further expand the campaign in 2025, with extra attention to community and youth involvement. We call on everyone to work together for a healthier Bonaire, where stigma has no place.
We would also like to thank all the companies that supported this campaign. Your contribution makes the difference!
Get involved!
- Get tested
- Talk about it
- Share the message with others
Together we work towards a healthier Bonaire.