Those on the ground of the war on HIV and Aids say the key to stopping its spread isn't treatment, it's prevention which can only come through education. And it's on that premise that the Young Women's Christian Association held a two week workshop as part of the Y's outreach program. And before you say "not another aids workshop!," trust us, this one is different, the participants might surprise you. Keith Swift has the story.
Keith Swift Reporting,
When you're sitting in a barber chair in a barbershop or even a salon HIV and Aids is probably the last thing on your mind. But you may want to think again because some say a barbershop is a perfect place to discuss HIV and Aids.
Beth Preston, YWCA's HIV Coordinator
"A barber shop is a place where guys can go and hang out, maybe they talk about politics, maybe they talk about whatever so why not talk about Aids. They are comfortable, they are who a lot of guys look up to, barbers are nice looking, they have good advice - kind of like a bartender so that's why we feel that they are role models in the community and also perfect to pass out this kind of information."
Fareed Ahmad, Barber
"Most of my customers are very receptive to the information. They have no problems discussing a simple thing as the ease of transmission and stuff like that. Most people are very receptive to the information."
Fareed Ahmad is one of eight barbers from across the city who, for two weeks, left their barbershops behind for a classroom at the YWCA. These barbers cut about 800 heads a week and so for facilitators they are a window to 800 ears. It is hoped these participants will be the newest soldiers in the fight against HIV and Aids as they'll return to their shops armed with information on the right and the wrong way to put on a condom, as was demonstrated today, and with actual condoms. Anthony Lofter he feels it's his obligation to promote awareness.
Anthony Lofter,
"We try to discuss the preventative measures we can take to prevent the disease."
Keith Swift,
How about the passing out of condoms?
Anthony Lofter,
"Yes we did it already and it was productive. People asked for the condoms and at least we tried to save a couple lives."
One by one as Aids activist Rodel Beltran Pererra says it's a win-win situation for the work of HIV and Aids awareness.
Rodel Beltran Pererra, Alliance Against Aids
"I think that barbers are also a population that are the best listeners and they are considered by their clients as people that can help them and advise them. So why not bank on that, why not bank ion this population that can provide that kind of support for people sitting down in the chair receiving services from them. They are great listeners and great advisors. We're very excited about this initiative being done, that we are tapping into that populating that can be very helpful in carrying out the message abut HIV and Aids, not only."
Beth Preston,
"I think that guys like to talk about girls, it makes you feel like a man to take a condom."
And if the program works - the next time you will be leaving your barbershop with more than just a haircut.
The YWCA hopes to put in place HIV/Aids information brochures and condoms in the barbershops which participated. The workshop was funded by the OPEC Fund as part of the project for prevention of HIV and Aids among youths in especially difficult circumstances.
