NGO takes HIV campaign to children

November 29, 2006 :: Kenneth Ehigiator, Vanguard,Lagos

As part of efforts to combat the spread of HIV in the country, an NGO, KidCare, has embarked on massive enlightenment of children to avoid getting infected. Targetted at children between the ages of two and 12 years, the campaign is essentially to make children imbibe the practice of healthy living. KidCare Co-ordinator,Mrs. A.A. Kolade, said so much attention had been paid to HIV/AIDS and the adult population, stressing that nobody had actually given a serious thought to its impact on children. “We reach out to children between 2-12 years old. KidCare enlightens children in the community where it operates on healthy living, safety tips in and out of the home and moral values, in addition to the word of God. “There is a lot we can teach children about the dangers of contracting HIV. The infection is not only through sex, but also other processes, such as tampering with razor blades and other sharp objects used by infected persons. “This is why we are teaching children to avoid playing with such objects which they can so easily pick on the floor,” Mrs. Kolade said. According to her, KidCare would on December 26, 2006, celebrate its first anniversary with health talks for children and their parents, adding that Bible games and quiz competition have also been lined up for children who are members of the club. Beyond just talking to children on HIV/AIDS, KidCare is striving to empower its members with Bible teaching to strengthen their moral upbringing as, according to her, the moral firmament of the child remained the responsibility of the larger society rather than that of just the parents. Kolade disclosed that the first year anniversary celebration would also come with drama, dance, inspirational songs and launching of the organisation’s magazine.