As part of the continuing campaign to raise awareness on sexually transmitted infections, HIV/AIDS and other related diseases, the Central River Region (CRR) Red Cross Volunteers, under the leadership of Pa Musa Kijera the branch officer, recently conducted a week-long village to village campaign on STI’s and HIV/AIDS using the stepping stones approach.

Among the villages sensitised were Fuga, Sololo, Saruja, Wellingara Fulladu, Karantaba, Dasilameh, Duru and Brikamaba all in CRR.

Speaking earlier at a meeting held at Karantaba Woll of the CRR Red Cross, branch officer, Mr Pa Musa Kijera, spoke at length on the importance of acquiring knowledge and skills on the dangers of HIV/AIDS and STI’s, the methods of transmission and its prevention strategy. He then urged the participants to ask questions during the deliberation to clear their doubts in any areas.

According to him, this program is part of their implementation plan for 2008. The program is supported by The Gambia Red Cross Society.

For his part the lead facilitator, Mr. Abdou Rahman Sallah stated the STI’s are curable provided that they are reported on time and proper treatment is administered. He then explained how sexual transmitted infections are contracted and its methods of transmission and prevention, adding that some of the diseases such as Chlamedia and Ghoneria are STI’s. According to Mr Sallah, HIV/AIDS is a killer disease and is a global concern and we need a collective effort to combat the epidemic. He then urged people/communities to go for voluntarily testing and counselling to know their HIV status so that they can better prepared to protect themselves.

For her part, Miss Sunkary Baldeh implored the women folk to visit the health facility when they suspected any abnormality in their system, especially the pregnant women. She went further to explain the importance of blood donation in the hospitals, adding that plans are under way to mobilise youths in the Central River Region to donate blood voluntarily. “We have started negotiations with youth leaders and organisations and surely with a little funds we can surely have them on board,” she added.

Alhagie Omar Sallah the Alkalo of the Karamtaba expressed his readiness along with his communities adding that the importance of the sensitisation cannot be over emphasised especially blood matters.  He commended the Red Cross volunteers for the good work they are doing in the region.