March 12th 2008 - The ACAN Foundation and the role they play in putting HIV AIDS awareness in the forefront in Anguilla was the highlight of this show.
Guests Mr John Lake, president and founder of ACAN and Mr Juan Richardson community outreach officer for the Spanish community on Anguilla explained the issues on Let's Talk.
ACAN is Anguilla Community Action Network on HIV/AIDS. A non-profit, non-governmental organization which has been formed to support persons living with HIV/ AIDS in Anguilla. The organization was first launched on World Aids Day, Friday 1st December, 2006.
Among points mentioned were the need for legislation to protect HIV infected persons from job discrimination whether by employers or co workers.
The guests mentioned the need for education, more awareness, and the end of stigmatization in our community. Mr Richardson explained that though he is active in the spanish community spreading the word on HIV he was concerned and worried that persons were still engaging in risky behavior.
ACAN is on a mission to facilitate the complete integration of persons affected and infected with HIV/ AIDS within the wider community and to Promote a positive image to people living with HIV/ AIDS with the aim of eliminating stigma and discrimination.
The ACAN mission statement also states that it hoped to Limit new infections and mitigate the impact of an HIV/ AIDS epidemic, through the implementation of appropriate and effective interventions and awareness programs. The organization also aims to Provide a supportive environment for persons living with HIV/AIDS and to be advocates for services and legislation to enhance their quality of life.
For more information on the work of ACAN on Anguilla or to find out how you can help, please visit the ACAN website
http://www.acanaxa.org/