UNITE FOR CHILDREN UNITE AGAINST AIDS

November 1, 2008

Jamaican and Brazilian Young People Unite

In Jamaica, music and dancing are the life-beat of young people - so is it in Brazil.
In Jamaica, sports─especially soccer, are essential in the lives and development of young people – so is it in Brazil.
In Jamaica, everyday the lives of young people are under the clear and present threat of HIV infection due to risky behaviour – so is it in Brazil.

The similarities are uncanny. Jamaican and Brazilian adolescents share significant aspects of their culture and social practices.  Their well-being is affected by similar factors, their behavioural and risk patterns, which make them vulnerable to HIV, are almost mirror images of each other.

There are differences, however, in the strategies these countries have used to address these issues.  Since 2006, UNICEF has facilitated technical exchanges through study tours between professionals and young people working in HIV prevention in Jamaica and Brazil.

Both countries are recognized for their achievements in HIV prevention and have been named as champions in the effort to stem the spread of HIV under UNICEF’s Unite for Children, Unite against AIDS campaign. 

Jamaica has benefited in tangible ways from this collaboration.  A group of young advocates who have been affected by HIV attended the 2006 staging of Vivendo Jovem – a conference where over 300 HIV-positive adolescents gathered to acquire skills in the management of HIV and advocating for a reduction in stigma and discrimination among their peers.  We have also learnt how to better utilize youth culture in HIV prevention interventions.

It is encouraging to note that donors have recognized the value of these types of exchanges between countries and cultures.  It is important that we learn from each other as we are always challenged to find new and more effective ways to keep the attention of young people focused on reducing risky practices for the prevention of HIV infection.