Talk about HIV/AIDS

This week my health talk topic was on HIV/AIDS. For many of the papas and mamas this was the first time hearing about this disease. As I mentioned before HIV/AIDS has barely touched Vanuatu and very little has been done in the past to educate the people especially those on the small rural islands, but that is beginning to change now through radio broadcasts and more training of Village Health Workers to spread the word.

The parents all seemed appreciative to have someone care to give them the facts and they all were enthusiastic to take the information back to their homes. Many of the older parents see how life has changed in Vanuatu and not necessarily for the good. And although Port Vila (the capital) represents a lot of opportunity for education and income they also see it as a place of temptation and sinners. I understand their apprehension sending their kids there but as I’m sure every parent no matter what country feels some sense of fright and hope that their kids will make good decisions – that they taught them well.