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COMMEMORATION OF WORLD AIDS DAY FAIR EXPO WAD

Sunday, December 1st, 2013

St. Therese Park, Rue Rigaud, Petion-Ville

Prepared by: Alliance for Child Survival and Development

Konesans Fanmi (Family Awareness)

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Summary Report

1. Context

2. Presentation of the activitie

3. Sequence of the events

3.1 Planning Missions

3.2 The Activities

a) The WAD Fair Exhibition 2013

b) The Official Ceremony

c) The Mass Awareness and The Cultural Show

4. Presentation of results

5. Constraints

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1. BACKGROUND

World AIDS Day, commemorated on December 1st, offered an opportunity for people from

diverse backgrounds to come together to raise awareness about HIV / AIDS, and to show their

solidarity to the efforts against the pandemic. This day has brought together several partners,

both public and private sectors to facilitate the access to information on the status of the infection

and to promote the prevention, treatment and care of HIV / AIDS through the mobilization led

by institutions involved in the national response to HIV.

From 2011 until 2015, the World Day AIDS theme is " Getting to Zero: Zero new HIV

infections, zero discrimination, zero AIDS-related deaths." In Haiti, the theme that was chosen is

« Sida: Mwen p’ap pran, mwen p’ap bay » (AIDS, I will not get it, I will not spread it).

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The commemoration ceremony of World AIDS Day was held this year at Park St. Therèse,

attended by the President of the Republic, Michel Martelly, the First Lady, Mrs. Sophia Martelly,

President of CCM / Haiti, the Minister of Health, Dr. Florence Duperval Guillaume, the Minister

of Youth, Sports and Civic Action, Ms. Magalie Racine, the Minister of Culture and

Communication, Ms. Josette Darguste, the Minister Delegate to the Prime Minister for Human

Rights and the fight against extreme poverty , Marie Carmelle Rose Anne Auguste, the American

Ambassador accredited to Haiti, Ms. Pamela White; representatives of the international

community: USAID, PAHO / WHO, UNICEF, UNDP, to name but a few, parliamentarians, civil

society organizations, LGBT groups, PLHIV, youth and women and also with the participation

of guest artists, national and international press.

This year, the organizers wanted again to gather all national and international partners, as

well as several local sectors engaged in the fight against HIV and AID through activities with

related links, around one focal point. This report describes the various activities carried out in the

framework of the official commemoration of World AIDS Day in Haiti

2. PRESENTATION OF ACTIVITIES

For the tribune officials 

Partial view of the assistance

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“Aids: I will not get it, I will not spread it”, was the commemoration theme for World AIDS

Day on Sunday, December 1st, 2013. Park St. Therese Petion-Ville, this mythical and public

venue with a large capacity of 2700 seats and recently renovated by the Haitian government, was

to site chosen this year to carry out activities of reflection, awareness on the issue of HIV /

AIDS.

The main interventions during this special day consisted of the implementation of several

activities, such as:

• WAD Exhibition Fair 2013, which featured a range of activities: Test for HIV and

Blood Donation, exhibitions and distribution of awareness materials, exhibition of

handicrafts and food products, demonstration and distribution of condoms, animation and

awareness provided by clowns …

• Official Ceremony: Speeches of officials, cultural show, broadcast of awareness

messages, air balloons, two soccer games ...

• Mass Awareness: Dissemination of mobilization and awareness messages...

• Cultural Show: Broadcast of awareness messages, condom distribution, skits related to

the theme, dances, minstrel show, text declamation, acrobatic show, choreography,

competitions ,..

3. SEQUENCES OF EVENTS

To accomplish the commemoration of WAD 2013, a series of activities have been

implemented before, during and after the day.

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3.1. Planning missions

A good preparation was very important to plan the WAD FAIR EXPO 2013. The team

ASDE / Konesans Fanmi met with some partners, local authorities, grassroots organizations and

artists for the realization of cultural events. These missions have served, among others, to

identify partners willing to participate in the activities, to erect a podium for cultural and

educational entertainment at Rue Rigaud, the adjacent street to the park, to book a space for

setting up tents, to organize a rehearsal for the artists , to distribute information, awareness,

mobilization and invitation materials to residents around the park, to mobilize the media ... These

meetings also helped making possible the field coordination with interested bodies, such as the

Town Hall and the Police.

3.2. Activities undertaken

The main activities were implemented according to the schedule established by the

Coordinating Committee of the World AIDS Day.

a) WAD Fair Expos 2013

The WAD Fair EXPO, part of the official commemoration of the World AIDS Day has

served as a starting point for mobilization and awareness on HIV / AIDS and Related Programs

of December 1st. It allowed the ASDE/KONESANS FANMI to provide assistance to the

organization of the official ceremony by supporting the coordination of major activities planned

by the Office of the First Lady and president of CCM / HAITI, the MSPP (Ministry of Health)

and its international partners.

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The organization of the WAD Fair Expo 2013 has been an opportunity to institutions

working in the field of HIV / AIDS and related programs to present themselves to the public,

especially to young people, explain their services, distribute information and awareness materials

on certain diseases, particularly AIDS, TB, and on Nutrition. This

activity started before the official ceremony from 11:00 AM.

Institutions and organizations that took part in the exhibition are: The Haitian Red Cross , the

Haitian Coalition on Women and Health ( CHFSanté ) ASDE / KONESANS FANMI , PSI-

Haiti, FOSREF, SEROvie, The GHESKIO, UNAIDS, MSPP / NAP national Nutrition Program

MSPP, AFIAVIH , LUFIAVIH , HIV ACTION, CONIDEF , FEDE and also two organizations

of craftmen of Pétion-Ville .

Each partner had a tent, at least one table, 6 to 10 chairs and about 8 to 10 reps, consisting of

executives and mostly young people, to inform participants on the activities of these institutions.

Partners had adequate logistics and sufficient materials to distribute. Materials on display

included: condoms, pamphlets, information and awareness flyers on HIV / AIDS, crafts and food

products produced by PLWHA organizations, equipment demonstration, audio and video

cassettes, etc.

Space 

of the fair. 

‐

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The artistic animation at the fair was especially remarkable with the

presence of Clowns from KREALAB in front of each tent; they participated in

greeting visitors, presented and distributed educational materials, condoms,

especially for young; creating a fun atmosphere.

Some institutions, including the PSI- Haiti offered

counseling and voluntary HIV testing in tents adjacent to Park

St. Thérèse. Dozens of people wishing to know their HIV status

received VCT. A few cases were identified, a good step in the

fight against HIV

The Red Cross offered a blood donation service in a bus

designed especially for this purpose. The organization had also an

exhibition space for materials and public awareness. The results

for HRC are presented as follow:

• Approximately 300-400 people visited the HRC booth

• 5 groups of 10 young people and 1 group of 15 aged 15-27 years were sensitized and

received key information about HIV and participated in the contest of knowledge.

• 8 sessions of interpersonal communication were conducted with youth facilitators from

HRC Prevsida project.

• 27 candidates for blood donation.

• 14 donors collected.

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• 13 donors ineligible to donate blood (2 for anemia, 5 for risky sexual behavior, 3 for

hypotension, 1for underweight, 1 for skin damage at the puncture sites and one for recent

asthma attack).

The National Program for the Fight

against AIDS and the National Nutrition

Program, representatives of the MSPP

have each presented their respective materials and also helped as facilitators guiding national

partners in the park. The PNLS has handled the distribution of materials to its partners since the

day before such as banners, posters, flyers and t- shirts.

The UNAIDS Office that coordinates the Joint

UN Team on AIDS organized a booth representing 11

agencies. Information and awareness materials were

available for visitors, and card games attracted particularly young people who wanted to obtain a

material of entertainment and education that teaches users how to protect themselves from AIDS

by playing. Many guidance and technical standards materials as well as information leaflets were

distributed.

LGBT represented by

SEROVIE had a space to

provide specific information

and awareness materials to

this group that deserves

special attention given the

disturbing level of prevalence revealed by recent investigations in the country.

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They were provided with means of transportation allowing to more than (60) sixty of them to

participate in the activity. They took advantage of the visit of the President of the Republic, the

First Lady and the Minister of Health to communicate their problems and request actions to be

taken in their favor.

The PLHIV women's associations, including AFIAVIH, LUFIAVIH and HIV ACTION,

presented food and handicrafts at the fair.

Logistics were placed at selected points for the

transportation of their products and their guests.

Many PLHIV both sexes (about 75) were

mobilized through AFIAVIH. Leaders of these

organizations have also had the opportunity to

speak to the President of the Republic and the First

Lady.

In a frank and open dialogue, they let know that they have only a minimal support and called

for a strengthening of their organizations regarding projects and small businesses, in the

objective of ensuring the survival of those who are infected with the HIV virus, and ensuring a

greater role in the national response to AIDS.

GHESKIO, for its part, had mobilized a large team of

professionals who, on occasion, led group sessions on cervical

cancer, HIV and TB. After each session the participants received

gifts and information leaflets, including bracelets. This institution

had also exhibited a large number of materials in its very busy and very popular booth.

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FOSREF and VDH had each a kiosk for youth mobilization and information. They attracted

hundreds of young people with the presence of young people helping at the kiosk. Their

transportation was conveniently provided from bus services. Their expertise and experience have

been used to profit AIDS awareness; specific materials for young people were given, not only in

kiosks, but also to passers-by.

ASDE / Konesans

Fanmi ensured the

implementation of

activities with funding

from PAHO / WHO. This allowed the organization to

multiply and distribute more than 3,000 leaflets,

pamphlets and flyers. They made available groups transportation to participants; facilitated in

coordination with the Office of the First Lady, the distribution of bracelets and jerseys needed for

access to the park, and also realized the spatial planning with respect to the location, the

distribution and setting of tents for each institution; they provided the artistic performance for the

official ceremony.

It should be noted that the WAD FAIR EXPO 2013 received special attention from the

President of the Republic, His Excellency Mr. Michel Martelly,

the First Lady Sophia Martelly and the Minister of Health, Dr.

Florence Guillaume Duperval accompanied with the Executive

Director of the ASDE / Konesans Fanmi , Marie Antoinette

Toureau , who visited the booths of different institutions.

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During this visit, the President spoke for a few minutes with each partner and asked questions

about the work in progress and the results obtained in the response against HIV and AIDS. The

fair offered to representatives of major international agencies the opportunity to meet with

executives of the institutions, inquire about their work programs and receive their materials

information.

Partners appreciated the official visit by the highest dignitary of the nation and his wife, and

felt a sense of appreciation and esteem for their work.

b) Official Ceremony

An important ceremony was held

in the presence of the President of the

Republic, Michel Martelly , his wife ,

Mrs. Sophia Martelly, the Minister of

Health, Dr. Florence Duperval

Guillaume , the Minister of Sports ,

Ms. Magalie Racine, the Minister of

Culture and Communication , Ms. Josette Darjuste , the Minister Delegate to the Prime Minister

for Human Rights and the fight against extreme poverty , Marie Carmelle Rose Anne Auguste,

other Haitian government officials , the American Ambassador accredited to Haiti, Ms. Pamela

White, other representatives of the international community including USAID , PAHO / WHO ,

UNICEF, UNDP, to name but a few, parliamentarians, the Mayor of Pétion-Ville, organizations

of civil society, PLHIV groups, thousands of young students and college students, women's

organizations, guest-artists, national and international media and Pétion-Ville residents.

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The ceremony had an innovative and inspiring

character. Indeed, early in the morning, thousands of

young people, not wanting to miss this activity,

streamed around the STE THERESE Park in order

to guaranty their seat and to visit the fair.

The ceremony began with a performance both in the air

and on the ground with the arrival of four parachutists,

three Americans and one Haitian who created the surprise and landed on the lawn of the soccer

field to the applause of the public, and a show of acrobats surrounded by clowns, which provided

an artistic animation rich with colors and creativity.

This first part was followed by the appearance on stage of the

renowned artist Ms Renette Désir who sang the National Anthem

to the satisfaction of the public. Many young people who had have

heard the voice of RENETTE on the radio, had a unique

opportunity to see the artist close.

As expected, various personalities took the podium that day. An extract of different

interventions is presented below:

“Let me thank the President of the Republic for this beautiful stadium

that his government has built us. Today, residents of Pétion-Ville are

proud to have a space that can accommodate hundreds of people“, rejoiced the Mayor of Pétion -

Ville, Ms. Yvenka Brutus .

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The Minister of Youth, Sports and Civic Action , Ms. Magalie Racine

said in his speech: " We must ensure that everyone can have access to all

information about the disease in order to better protect us. It is my mission

to attend to the youth of my country and I am listening to you. "

Mrs. Sophia Martelly for her part suggested that: "This day of

December 1st, continues to remind us of the many damages caused

by this disease in our families and in our community. December 1st,

is a day of hope, commitment and solidarity." She reminded to the

communities about the need to have a responsible and united attitude toward all forms of

discrimination. The first lady invited young people to protect themselves. Also she uses the

theory of AFP: abstinence, fidelity and préservatif (condom). "The government is working hard

to continue to reduce the impact of the disease in Haiti. People infected and affected by HIV /

AIDS need our support and our love to live better “, she insisted.

As for the American Ambassador to Haiti, Pamela White, after

welcoming the public in Haitian Creole, it launched a slogan: “An 

nou tout di, sida kaba! “    "Let’s all put an end to AIDS!” This slogan

was echoed by most of the audience. For Ms. White: “This victory

match symbolizes the progress we have made since 2004. Yes, today there are more than 52,000

people living with AIDS who receive care through cooperation between the U.S. and Haitian

governments. "

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Further, the Ambassador White took the opportunity to inform the audience about the

importance of testing on a regular basis as a means of prevention and to ensure a better

management of the disease: “Eske  nou konnen majorite moun pa fè tès sida?Alòs ke se sèl tès sa a kap 

ede nou jwenn bon laswenyay!  Jodi a nou ka pran tès sa a yon bann kote. Mwen enkouraje nou fè sa ! ”

The Ambassador citing a Haitian proverb stated:" Anvan ou ri moun bwete, gade jan ou

mache». «Ou ka kanpe la epi ou pa konnen ou malad. Yon ti lagrip epi ou mouri. Tanpri fè tès

sida a. Si ou malad, gouvènman ameriken an ak tout gouvènman Ayisyenan ka ba ou la

swenyay, yo rele sa «soins anti rétroviraux ». In the end, Ms. White has reaffirmed the support

of the United States to Haiti in the fight against HIV / AIDS.

Dr. Florence D. William insisted on the existing

coherence within the Government in the fight against

HIV / AIDS. "The MSPP is committed to support and

accompany all patients on a national level> and

welcomed the efforts of the First Lady, Sophia Martelly,

who, as President of Conseil de Coordination Multisectoriel (CCM ) strives to prevent the spread

of the disease, so as to maintain Haitian youth in perfect health.

Esther Boucicault Stanislas, the first Haitian woman

who had the courage to declare his HIV status in 1998

during a public ceremony at the Rex Theater, is pleased

to see the progress made after 15 years of bitter struggle

against the disease and the stigma. "Today, the disease

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is accepted by all; still, much remains to be done. I almost got assaulted for my statement in

1998. Now no more worries. I say bravo to the presidency and our men of laws that work to

develop legislation on the protection of PLHIV especially in the workplace“, she underlined.

The singer Alex Black, goodwill ambassador for the cause

of AIDS, invited young people to practice abstinence or

protection.

President Martelly reminded the public that the government is

taking its responsibilities. He said that he expected to have the

cooperation of all sectors in order to identify the real problems " We

must get together to fight not only AIDS but also unemployment,

malnutrition, illiteracy," he said.

Moreover, Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe, in a statement welcomes the efforts of his

Government, through the Ministry of Health and its partners, to decrease considerably the

number of HIV-positive people that is now high to 3.67 %. "In accordance with the President of

the Republic, Michel Martelly, the Government continues the mobilization to increase health

services and effective management of infected people, including pregnant women, children and

adolescents.”

Immediately after the different official speeches, the

President of the Republic, Michel Martelly, accompanied by his

wife, ministers of health and youth, as well as the Mayor of

Petion -Ville, with about fifty children and youth launched 5000

air balloons.

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The launch of the red reflected the symbolism of

the continuity of life beyond all ideological barriers,

bigotry and stigma. The invasion of red balloons in

the sky was a call that the country has to face this

epidemic with conjoint actions of solidarity towards

non -infected people but also among people at risk especially the youth. As per some residents of

Pétion-Ville, the show of balloons in the air created a lot of entertainment and excitement for

children who thought that it was an unexpected descent of Santa Claus and wanted desperately to

catch them despite their height in the sky.

In the context of cultural and educational activities, a famous

young singer Mika Ben, accompanied by her band, and, performed

a song repeated in chorus by thousands of young people present at

the Park in the presence of President Michel Martelly and the First

Lady. It is in this atmosphere that Mr. Martelly made his speech of which excerpts are

reproduced above.

The sport section was carried out with the kick-off by the

Minister Magalie Racine with President Martelly. Two soccer

games were held: l’Ecole des Talents du MJSAC against Team

Shana and the team of the President against team of the Press.

This game was won by 2 goals to 1 in favor of the team of the President that includes, among

others, two sons of the presidential couple.

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Officially, the commemorative ceremony of the World AIDS Day came to an end with sports

games at 8:00 PM.

c) Mass Awareness and Cultural Show

While the official ceremony was taking place inside the park, the ASDE / Konesans Fanmi

had activities for those gathered outside who could not fit in the park, to raise awareness about

HIV / AIDS, at the podium erected for the circumstances, exactly at Rue Rigaud , near the park,

during and after the ceremony. The end of the day was marked with two major activities:

• Educational interventions

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• Cultural performances

Throughout cultural activities, educational interventions were made on the podium. These

interventions carried out by two young leaders of Konesans Fanmi accompanied by two girls of

FEDE, were used to educate young people. They also focused on the issue of HIV / AIDS and

prevention methods. Condoms, pamphlets and T -shirts were distributed to youth participants.

ASDE / Konesans Fanmi brought together

many groups and local artists for the cultural

presentations; hundreds of young people took part

at the performances. The public composed mainly

of young people enjoyed the artistic performances

produced by groups Let's Dance for acrobatic

shows, KrealabClowns for animation and juggling, Konpayi Yanvanou for dance routines and

skits, Foundation Enfants d’Exeption (FEDE) for pieces of Slam,

Young Fighters for the Michael Jackson’s show, Atis Wadèvè and a

disabled for the "Disc Jockey with the mouth" part. Apart from the

cultural interventions, the artists also executed appropriate sketches

for transmitting messages to raise awareness on HIV / AIDS through

the approach “Education through entertainment."

Mass Awareness

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ASDE / Konesans Fanmi estimated that about 5,000

people took part in various activities in the context of the

official commemoration of AIDS Day.

4. PRESENTATION OF RESULTS

- Around 17 institutions took part in the fair and exhibited their work.

- Around 5000 people were reached directly by the messages of HIV and AIDS.

- More than 20 boxes of condoms were distributed.

- More than 6,000 leaflets and brochures were distributed.

- About fifty people have agreed to donate blood.

- A greater involvement of different sectors has been seen in the organization of this

intervention.

- A wide coverage of the activity was carried out by dozens of journalists invited.

- A more enhanced political commitment was noted.

- Dozens of participants were participated in VCT.

- A better coordination of the commemoration was provided

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5. CONSTRAINTS

Residents of the area of the Park have had some reluctance to accept the closure of Rue

Rigaud. Which has slowed down the implementation of the fair, however, a settlement

agreement was found.

Funds were not available at the appropriate time, which has caused some last minute

pressures in achieving business.