African Communities Project and Black History Month

This article was written by AIDS Calgary’s African Communities Project Coordinator.

February was Black History Month and it was a very important time for black people to recognize, and reflect on the contributions that black people have made in Canada.

AIDS Calgary’s African Communities Project Coordinator, whose main objective is to raise awareness of HIV in Calgary’s African, black, and Caribbean Communities, found it important to inform the A-Word during this time while there is focus on black communities, and to let the community know what is going on.

The African, Caribbean and black communities of Calgary are slowly becoming aware of the risk of HIV in Canada. This Black History Month provided this awareness campaign an opportunity to reach out to these groups at a time when the focus is on activities that are of importance to black people in Canada.

HIV has for over 30 years created an almost debilitating fear in people. This can be attributed to limited and or lack of knowledge on the condition. In many parts of the world, and particularly in the sub Saharan countries, it had been perceived as a death knell.

This need not be that way in Canada where living standards are but the best. Over the years, a lot of research has shown that people living with HIV can have a full and meaningful life in spite of the condition. Figures abound showing many people who have lived with HIV for up to 28 years in Canada and most of the developed countries.

This is an indicator that people need not die of HIV. With medication, change of lifestyle, support and information, it has been proven beyond unreasonable doubt that it is possible to manage and live with HIV to much the same level as people living with diabetes over any other disease.

Statistics indicate a significant increase in the numbers of new infections in Canada within the African, Caribbean and black communities during the past ten years. Most of these infections are in people who when they first arrive in Canada were negative. This indicates that they got the infection from within Canada.

The African Communities Project’s focus in engaging these communities in discussion and raising awareness is crucial. A worrisome assumption from many people from endemic countries is that there is no HIV in Canada – a myth that needs to be to quash.

The stigma attached to HIV/AIDS is a challenge to service providers because it has been a hindrance to conversations on the issue of HIV. In the African, Caribbean and black communities, discussion on sexual issues is regarded with a lot of sensitivity. However, it must be acknowledged that the existence of HIV in Canada is real. Information is power and the more information these communities get on HIV and where they can seek help and how soon they need to get the help will determine the quality of life those infected could receive.
It is encouraging to know that more of the African, Caribbean, and black communities are inviting AIDS Calgary in to get information on HIV/AIDS. They are small steps, but they are certainly in the right direction.