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American Club Discusses HIV/AIDS and Society (Dec 6, 2006)

Ms. Barbara Gregory talking on Society and HIV/AIDS

The Public Affairs Section of the US Embassy in Asmara held presentations on “The Role of Society on People Living with HIV/AIDS” on November 30th 2006 as part of the monthly American Club lecture series.

Three panelists; Ms. Barbara Gregory, Medical Officer, U.S. Embassy; Dr. Negassi Leake, Internist, Sembel Clinic; and Ms. Tsegereda Tekle, HIV/AIDS Project Coordinator, U.S. Embassy; discussed how the disease affects peoples lives both individually and socially. The panelists emphasized the stigma that existed and still exists at the family and society levels against people living with HIV/AIDS and urged the audience to go out and share their knowledge with young people and encourage and support people living with the virus.

The audience watched with great interest a short film titled “My Brother” that depicted how the virus affects individuals, families and societies.

The lively participation of the audience brought up questions and suggestions on how to tackle the stigma faced by people living with HIV/AIDS. Participants of the event agreed on the role of mass media to minimize the spread of the disease at large and stigma in particular.