By Roger Lyners
American Ambassador, Joyce Barr, is to launch a film, Remember Eliphas 2, considered to be an important new tool for the fight against HIV/AIDS – this morning at 10h00 at the Safari Hotel in the capital.
“Stigma and discrimination have been identified as a major challenge, not only in the military but also among civilian populations. Because of the stigma surrounding this disease, many people choose not be tested for HIV/AIDS and then unwittingly pass the disease on to their partners. Therefore, Namibia needs new and innovative approaches to address this issue such as radio drama, plays and films such as Remember Eliphas 2,”
a statement from the American Cultural Centre has announced.
Remember Eliphas 2 tells the story of a typical young soldier who is far away from home and his exposure to temptations such as alcohol abuse and unprotected sex. He becomes infected with HIV. The news gets around quickly that Eliphas is HIV-positive, and he soon faces stigma and discrimination.
“The film will be used as an innovative, preventive and educational tool to further increase awareness among the military that HIV/AIDS is a reality and anyone may become infected, irrespective of profession, gender, race, colour or sex. By communicating through images and authentic Namibian military situations, military members will be able to associate themselves with the film and understand that being HIV-positive is not a death sentence but the beginning of a new life – one that is positive and healthy,” said the press release.