African Advocates Against AIDS Inc founder, Carine Siltz Kapinga is raising awareness to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS and COVID-19 prevention.
We are raising this awareness with African immigrants and the African American community in the United States of America through education and raising awareness of this disease and helping them access, adequate testing, care, and treatment services through referral to our partners and supporters among whom are: The NYC Health and hospital, The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, The NYC HIV KNOWS program, The Bridge Builder’s Community Partnership, The family affairs and mediation, The booth on the ground, the NYC Emergency Management, AFRICAN PARIDISE, The Bethel Emanuel Temple( BET, The African Immigrants Commission of NY&CT, the Alliance of positive change, The Institute of Family Health, Healed by he’s Strips Ministry, the Greaters Highway Deliverance Temple, Angus Community, Bink International Charity, United airline, Jack fifth Avenue, The Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church food pantry, Christ disciple international ministries food pantry, Susan place women shelter clinic, Sauti Yetu/African women center, Djaba African braiding salon, The new Generation Realty LLc and volunteers that been helping along the way. Carine said
in a discussion with our correspondent, Carine Siltz Kapinga, founder of African Advocates Against AIDS Inc, said her organization embarked on Education Campaigns, Community Outreach, Social Media Campaigns, Partnerships with Healthcare Providers, and Peer Education Programs.
“Education Campaigns: we develop educational materials such as brochures, posters, and online resources that provide accurate information about HIV and COVID-19 transmission, prevention methods, and available resources for testing and treatment.”
“Community Outreach: Our organization has engaged with local communities through workshops, seminars, and community events to disseminate information about prevention strategies, dispel myths, and address concerns.
“Social Media Campaigns: We have utilized social media platforms to reach a wider audience. Create shareable content such as infographics, videos, and interactive quizzes to raise awareness about prevention measures and encourage behavioral change.”
“Partnerships with Healthcare Providers: Our organization has collaborated with healthcare professionals and organizations to integrate prevention messaging into clinical settings. This can include offering HIV and COVID-19 testing, counseling, and referrals to resources.”
“Peer Education Programs: We train individuals from within communities to serve as peer educators who can disseminate accurate information about prevention methods, promote healthy behaviors, and provide support to their peers.”
As an organization we have been operating under unprecedented circumstances as I was in the NYC Shelter system were women are experiencing homelessness at even higher risk than men and contracting the HIV/AIDS and Covid-19 Virus. In that regards we initiated our street outreach initiative efforts for HIV/AIDS and Covid-19 prevention where we distributed on a weekly based to community in need: Masks, hand sanitizers, face shields and resources provided access to vaccination, testing, care, and treatment services provided through our referrals and partners.
If we can come together and utilized resources to create adequate infrastructure to carry out those interventions that have been successful here in America, we can address the HIV/AIDS and Covid-19 crisis in Africa and Globally with our numerous programs like School-based programs, Accessible testing and treatment services, Cultural sensitivity, Policy advocacy and collaboration with faith-based organizations.
“School-Based Programs: Our organization implements prevention education programs in schools to reach young people and provide them with essential knowledge about HIV and COVID-19 prevention, including the importance of safer sex practices and hygiene measures”
“Accessible Testing and Treatment Services: We ensure that testing and treatment services for HIV and COVID-19 are readily available and accessible to all individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic status or geographic location”
“Cultural Sensitivity: Tailor messaging to be culturally sensitive and inclusive, taking into account the diverse beliefs, practices, and languages within communities”
“Collaboration with Faith-Based Organizations: Partner with religious and faith-based organizations to incorporate prevention messaging into their activities and leverage their influence within communities”
“Policy Advocacy: Advocate for policies that support prevention efforts, such as funding for public health programs, access to affordable healthcare, and protection of human rights for individuals affected by HIV and COVID-19” She concluded
