December 1, 1999
(Health and Community Services)

The following statement was issued today by Joan Marie Aylward, Minister of Health and Community Services. It was also read in the House of Assembly:

Today is World AIDS Day. The red ribbons which I have for each Member of the House of Assembly are a world-wide symbol of the efforts to find a cure for HIV infection.

But HIV infection is not a stand-alone issue. We need to acknowledge the role that adverse life circumstances may play in making people, particularly young people, vulnerable to HIV infection.

The factors which determine health are multiple and interactive. Increased opportunities for learning, family and community support, the development of marketable skills, as well as coping skills and personal health behaviors all contribute to the prevention of HIV infection.

There are young people in our province who require help in achieving goals. Steps are being taken to improve the health status and life choices of youth in Newfoundland and Labrador through initiatives such as the new Child, Youth and Family Services Act and the National Child Benefit. These initiatives will build on the experiences of youth, their families and those who work with them to reduce poverty, maltreatment and challenges to youth mental health.

On World AIDS Day, I wish to acknowledge the leadership role of the Newfoundland and Labrador AIDS Committee in HIV prevention and support. Through their efforts to develop skills and experience which may be shared with others, they have partnered with other community agencies to deliver innovative initiatives such as the HIV and Sexual Violence Project which was developed in partnership with the Provincial Association Against Violence. HIV and substance abuse training has been implemented with Health and Community Services personnel, and there are ongoing efforts with community agencies to reach youth at risk of HIV infection.

It has been my pleasure as Minister of Health and Community Services to support research on persons with HIV/AIDS through a collaborative partnership with the Newfoundland and Labrador AIDS Committee, Memorial University, Human Resources and Employment and Health Canada. This research with persons with HIV/AIDS and their families will form the foundation of a review of the Provincial HIV/AIDS Strategy in the coming months.

With $25,000 in funding this week from the Strategic Social Plan, the Conception Bay North AIDS Interest Group will develop a self-care program for people living with HIV/AIDS and their families to improve their physical, emotional and psychological well-being. I am confident this is the kind of project that will work at the community level.

I encourage my colleagues to join me today in acknowledging persons with HIV/AIDS, their families and the AIDS services organizations, health and community service providers, educators and researchers who are working with them, by wearing the red ribbon as a symbol of hope and caring.

1999 12 01 2:40 p.m.