From 29 November 2012 to 3 December 2012 more than 1,200 QuadPara Association of South Africa (QASA) Peer Supporters with disabilities from all over SA will gather at various World Aids Day activities. This will highlight the importance of the need for persons with disabilities to be included in HIV and Aids programmes.
For the first time persons with disabilities will actively be involved on this scale in World Aids Day activities. QASA has developed promotional slogan-writing material (World Aids Day for me is….) specifically to address issues relating to persons with disabilities.
QASA’s Rolling Positive Peer Supporters at various World Aids Day activities will hold up signs that read “World Aids Day for me is….” Followed by their personal interpretations of the meaning of this day. This initiative reflects the basic principle of inclusiveness and aims to raise HIV awareness among persons with disabilities.
Disabled people with HIV
“A 2008 survey reported HIV prevalence among persons with disabilities at about 14%. Many persons with disabilities are living with HIV and remain one of the most vulnerable groups to HIV infection due to a number of reasons, including lack of information and education,” said Joseph Machweu, one QASA’s Rolling Positive trainers. QASA’s Rolling Positive programme offers a robust lifestyle programme aimed at greater participation by persons with disabilities in HIV and Aids educational programmes and increasing public awareness of disability issues.
As part of these efforts, the QASA World Aids Day activities will help to draw the attention of policy makers to the HIV epidemic and the importance of the involvement of persons with disabilities in reducing new HIV infections. By capturing the energy and commitment of persons with disabilities we are sure the “World Aids Day for me is ….” slogan initiative will contribute to making World Aids Day 2012 another diary highlight for persons with disabilities and their loved ones.
The most catching phrases will be used in future activities.