ACCHO wants African and Caribbean people in Ontario to Start a Conversation about HIV/AIDS with the launch of a new contest

Hoping to stimulate greater knowledge, interest and action to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS and reduce stigma, the African and Caribbean Council on HIV/AIDS in Ontario (ACCHO) has officially launched its newest initiative: the Start a Conversation contest that will run until March 30, 2007.

“The Start a Conversation contest is an important component of our Keep It Alive campaign to promote HIV prevention and awareness,” said Winston Husbands, co-chair of ACCHO. “When we talk about HIV/AIDS we also start the process of developing strategies and actions to reduce the spread of HIV and reduce stigma. In doing this, we also create awareness of how we can help those who are already infected to find appropriate care, treatment and support.”

The rules are simple: tell ACCHO how you would start a conversation with a family member, lover, friend or loved one about AIDS. Entries can be submitted as a 30-60 second video, a 150-word essay or in graphic format, such as a comic strip (eight frames maximum). All applicants must be Ontario residents of African or Caribbean descent.

The winner of the contest receives a dream vacation worth $2500 to a destination of their choice. Second prize is an iPod Nano with a universal docking station. Third prize is a collection of books written by black authors. The winners will be chosen by a panel of judges.

As of 2004, the Ontario HIV Epidemiological Monitoring Unit estimated that people from Africa and the Caribbean comprised 14% of all people in Ontario infected with HIV. Moreover, the number of African and Caribbean people in Ontario infected with HIV increased by over 80% in the previous five years.