Georgetown, GINA, March 26, 2008

The Local Government Ministry continues to advocate HIV/AIDS awareness and today it handed over 35 HIV/AIDS billboards to the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) of Regions Two, Three, Four and Ten.
Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Kellawan Lall at the handing over which was held at the Cheddi Jagan Reserch Centre, Main Street said this will highlight once again the Ministry’s campaign against the disease. He noted that Local Governments all over the world are playing a more aggressive role in terms of AIDS awareness.
“We here in Guyana have accepted the responsibility and the challenge. Therefore, we all have to come together and fight against the disease,” Minister Lall said.
He said it is very important for the continuation of this campaign to ensure that people are constantly aware of this deadly disease that is affecting young people especially and the Ministry will continue in this vein.

The Ministry of Local Government through the co-ordinator of the Aids programme will continue to work throughout the regions. The billboards are a small aspect of its work and in a very short while it is expected that more billboards will be seen at the NDCs.
Representative to the HIV/AIDS Focal Point, Aleta Peterson said the Ministry of Local Government is playing a very important part in this fight because the Ministry is fortunate to have direct contact with the people this method would allow the message to be transmitted effectively.

Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Region Ten Henry Rodney said they are very grateful for this timely gesture that highlights the importance of addressing the issue.
Municipalities in the 10 Administrative Regions have already received billboards which promote a variety of motivational messages to encourage the public to be aware of the HIV/AIDS disease. Messages being promoted includes; Love Life, Stop Aids.