World YWCA AIDS 2008 delegation visits YWCA of Naucalpan
The World YWCA delegation attending the International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2008) in Mexico City boarded a bus yesterday to visit the YWCA of Naucalpan, Mexico to learn more about the dynamic HIV and AIDS prevention programmes held at the association.
The YWCA of Naucalpan has worked on HIV and AIDS programmes since 2005. The association offers workshops on personal development, safe sex and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) with a strong focus on female and male condoms. Among their prevention efforts, the association provides Telmex, the largest cellular phone company in Mexico, with HIV prevention training.
In her welcoming address, Leticia Camacho, President of the YWCA of Mexico, spoke of the importance of AIDS 2008 and the Ecumenical Pre-conference being held in Mexico and stressed to the World YWCA delegation that HIV and AIDS in the Latin American region has become a feminised epidemic.
Although Mexico is home to 11% of people living with HIV in Latin America, Mexico’s epidemic had leveled off somewhat in recent years but there has been a gradual shift towards higher infection rates among injecting drug users and women.
Susan Brenann, World YWCA President, was visibly impressed with the work of the YWCA of Naucalpan and congratulated them on their efforts to address the needs of women and young women in their local community. She went on to say that Universal Action Now , the theme of AIDS 2008, is about action for those present in Mexico but also for those who are not. “The local YWCA community is the heart and soul of the YWCA movement. The work of the community gives our voice at the international level more power, “ said Brenann.
Related Links
