NCSA Red Wig Sale Raises HIV/AIDS Awareness

People are using condoms to stem the risk of HIV/AIDS, pregnancy and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) but they are still making mistakes when it comes to using condoms correctly. Captain Marilyn Patrick, a former HIV/AIDS Programme Coordinator made this observation as she conducted a demonstration on correct condom use at the National Council on Substance Abuse’s (NCSA) Red Wig Sale last week.

“People are making errors by not checking the dates on condoms to make sure that they have not expired. They are also biting the condom wrappers or using sharp instruments to open them and this is a no-no,” she said. Instead, condoms should be opened by carefully tearing along the serrated edges.

This demonstration, which took part during the NCSA’s Red Wig Sale, was part of the Council’s World AIDS Day activities aimed at highlighting the link between substance abuse and HIV/AIDS. Coordinator of the Red Wig Sale Mrs. Wendy Greenidge was full of praise for Corporate Barbados for donating items to the event, the volunteers who assisted and for the throngs of people who shopped at the sale.

“By supporting the sale, the public and the business sector help to keep HIV/AIDS in the forefront. Events like this can mobilize communities, churches and individuals to reach out and lend a helping hand to those affected and infected by HIV/AIDS,” Greenidge added.

Now in its second year, the sale is eagerly anticipated by bargain hunters as nothing is priced over $10. The proceeds of this year’s sale will be donated to the HIV/AIDS support group CARE – Comfort, Assist, Reassure and Educate.  Mrs. Greenidge also expressed satisfaction with this year’s sale, noting that its dual objectives of fundraising and HIV/AIDS education had been achieved.

“When people think about HIV/AIDS and drug use, they may only think of people getting infected by sharing dirty needles and whilst this mode of infection is true, the risk of getting infected because of drunkenness cannot be overlooked. Alcohol is legal, it is the number one abused drug and it impairs judgment when used in excess – a recipe for engaging in risky sexual behaviour that may lead to HIV/AIDS or other STI’s,” Mrs. Greenidge noted.

The sale, which lasted for seven hours, saw gospel singer Joy-Ann Dummett and Hypa Sounds performing as well as members of the Emerging Global Leaders of Barbados group distributing condoms throughout Bridgetown.

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