In a significant initiative to safeguard adolescent health, the AIDS Secretariat alongside the Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs has executed the “Teen Talk Seminar: My Life, My Choices.” This pivotal event brought together students from a diverse range of ten secondary schools throughout Antigua and Barbuda, focusing on empowering the nation’s youth with critical life skills and health knowledge.
The Honourable Minister of Health, Sir Molwyn M. Joseph, provided a compelling keynote, passionately advocating for the exercise of personal willpower to avoid high-risk activities. He emphasized the paramount importance of self-protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and underscored the value of seeking counsel from reliable and informed sources. Minister Joseph issued a formal commendation to the AIDS Secretariat, urging the continuation of these impactful, youth-oriented educational forums.
A distinguished panel of experts enriched the seminar with motivational insights. Presentations were delivered by Dr. Margarethe Belle, Lorella Benjamin, Joy-Ann Harrigan, and Nikisha Smith. The event also featured formal remarks from Ms. Janet Simon, who holds the dual roles of CARICOM Youth Ambassador and Commonwealth Youth Peace Ambassador, adding a significant regional perspective to the dialogue.
The curriculum was meticulously designed to address core challenges facing teenagers today. Interactive sessions delved into essential modules including: a comprehensive overview of STIs, the realities of sex and teenage life, the biological impact of HIV on the human body, building self-esteem, developing critical media literacy skills, and formulating strategies to navigate complex social pressures.
This seminar is a cornerstone of the AIDS Secretariat’s expanded schedule of events leading up to World AIDS Day 2025. The international observance of World AIDS Day is set for Monday, December 1st. The week-long series of awareness activities will culminate on Sunday with a Grand Red Ribbon Day and a vibrant Street Parade through the capital city of St. John’s, symbolizing community solidarity and the ongoing fight against HIV/AIDS.