With three-quarters of a million U.S. dollars in hand, the Ministry of Health today launched an aggressive offensive on HIV/AIDS and Youths. And with the big money follows a big name; it's called "the HIV/AIDS prevention among youth in especially difficult circumstances project".
For the next three years the money will be spent to target youths aged 15 to 24 living with or affected by HIV or AIDS, including prisoners, street gang members, teenage mothers, and members of the National Youth Cadet Service Corps.
At the projects launch in Belmopan this morning Health Minister Hon. Vildo Marin says that although we might not like to talk about HIV and aids and youths - the conversation starts now.
Hon. Vildo Marin, Minister of Health
"To fight the most intimate aspect of our life, human sexuality is not an easy task. But I am confident that if the community comes together we can form an indomitable army that will march forward to battle to destroy the enemy. It is the only way we can win this war. We must rescue our young people and ensure our nation's longevity. Forward soldiers, let's move on to battle."
The soldiers in the battle who will split the $1.5 million are the ministry of national development, Belize Family Life Association, Alliance against AIDS, and Youth for the future. It is funded by OPEC (the organization of petroleum exporting countries), the United Nation's Population Fund, and the Government of Belize.