JAMAICA AIDS Support for Life is reiterating that safe sex is everyone’s business regardless of colour, creed or sexual orientation.

The message comes on the heels of Safer Sex Week, held from February 12 to 16.

Executive Director at JASL Kandasi Walton Levermore said the message of safer sex being everyone’s business is one that needs to penetrate society, and be at the forefront of everyone’s mind, from the ordinary citizen to the policymaker.

“It is always important for people to pause and reflect on their lives and on their health. The reality is sexual health is a major part of one’s overall health and one’s sexual reproductive health. If we do not take care of ourselves, if we do not understand how to practice safer sex, we could be putting ourselves in line for ill-health. So we encourage everyone this time of the year to focus on their sexual practices and to look and see how best it is that they can do it safely,” Walton Levermore said.

She added: “When one looks at the statistics around sexual health and around things like STI and unwanted pregnancies, we cannot ignore what needs to be done. Persons must make themselves aware of how it is to protect themselves because at the end of the day you are going to be exposing yourself to different elements if you do not practice safer sex.”

Further, the JASL executive director said the message of Safer Sex Week was synonymous with the new prevention campaign — #LoveItRight! — launched by JASL on February 9, which encourages a holistic approach to sexual and reproductive health, monogamy, understanding and communicating health statuses, condom use, and/or abstinence.

“We know that for some things there are treatments available, for some things there are cures available, and for some things you have to make a lifetime decision on how you are going to treat it such as HIV. So we really do encourage everyone to get in the know, have the information, and know your health status. Not just your blood pressure and blood sugar, but know your sexual health status — get your Pap smears done, wear your condoms, protect yourselves from contracting STIs and if you do contract them, know how best to get into treatment quickly and swiftly so that you can preserve your sexual health,” Walton Levermore said, adding that she was pleased to see that prior to Safer Sex Week, 171 people between age 15 and 50 now know their status from being tested at the launch of JASLs new prevention campaign #LoveItRight.

Safer Sex Week, a staple of JASL’s yearly calendar, featured a slew of activities to include an Instagram live in partnership with Observer Online discussing safe sex, promotion of JASL’s new prevention campaign #LoveItRight!, free HIV and syphilis testing, plus safe sex and condom use promotion across several parishes and rural communities.

The week, which also featured International Condom Day on February 13 and Valentine’s Day on February 14, was first observed in 1994 during the week of Valentine’s Day to encourage sexual partners to practise safer sex in light of the increase in risky sexual behaviour during this time. The message of safer sex seeks to minimise unhealthy sexual habits that may have life-altering repercussions.

JASL’s chapters, as part of a national thrust to prevent the transmission of HIV, conducted several community interventions focused on health promotion and health education, and HIV and syphilis testing.

During Safer Sex Week JASL provided 630 HIV and syphilis tests across the island with interventions in areas such as Maryland in St Andrew; Runaway Bay, Discovery Bay, Ocho Rios in St Ann; Port Maria and Stewart Town in St Mary; National Pen in St James; and Bounty Hall in Trelawny.

This was also made possible through partnerships with organisations such as Jamaica Fire Brigade, Optimum Call Centre, TD Care Pharmacy, Teleperformance, and Maryland Community Centre.

Included in the reactions amongst those tested was an interest and intrigue in PrEP, the newest HIV prevention offering in Jamaica and at JASL.

PrEP a pre-exposure prophylaxis, is a one a day tablet that reduces chances of contracting HIV up to 99 per cent if taken correctly.

Regional Programmes Manager for JASLs Montego Bay Chapter Desmond Campbell said while most people were receptive and empowered to know their HIV status, myths surrounding HIV were still prevalent.

“HIV is going nowhere until we make the responsible decision to close our minds to the myths that prevail and open our minds to the widely accessible HIV education,” he said.

Nilfia Hazel-Anderson, regional programmes manager for JASL St Ann chapter, said the impact of these interventions cannot be overstated.

“By providing access to essential commodities such as condoms and contraceptives, as well as sharing crucial information on sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and reproductive health, Safer Sex Week has played a significant role in empowering individuals to make healthier life decisions,” she said. “Safer sex practices not only reduce the risk of unplanned pregnancies and STIs but also promote overall well-being and foster healthier relationships. By prioritising safe sex, individuals can take control of their sexual health, protect themselves and their partners, and ultimately lead happier, more fulfilling lives.”

Nichole Morris, regional programmes manager for JASL’s Kingston chapter, shared similar sentiments, but pointed out that there is still work to be done especially among the younger population.

“In relation to basic sexual and reproductive health information, we realise there are a lot of gaps. There is a big gap in young people’s knowledge and how sexually transmitted infections (STIs) affect their lives and the gravity of it. We need to find creative ways, not just fun jingles and ads, but real information that can resonate with people so they can know what is out there and how to protect themselves,” she said.

JASL is the oldest HIV/AIDS focused, human rights, non-governmental organisation fighting against the spread of the epidemic in Jamaica, and ensuring the preservation of the rights and dignity of those most vulnerable to the disease. In 2024, JASL intends to do more holistic health promotion activities in rural communities as part of its broader health approach.

Individuals in need of information or services such as HIV testing and risk reduction counselling, screenings for other STIs, clinic sessions with a doctor or nurse, Pap smears, treatment literacy sessions, adherence counselling, nutritional counselling and support, psychological counselling, support groups, home and hospital visits, violence prevention and response services, and referrals can visit any of our chapters, our website at jasforlife.org or call 876-925-0021.