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A.D.A.M. Project Addresses Underlying Issues of HIV/AIDS Print E-mail
Wednesday, 11 July 2007
RIVERSIDE

 

By John Gordon


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Wehonona Barnett of Black Infant Health.
Brought together in one room, in an effort to end the silence and stigma of HIV/AIDS and the ravishing affect it is having on African Americans in the community, a very qualified panel, not only voiced their opinions, but offered valid and possible solutions for change. As African Americans only make up a small percentage of the population of the county, the most recent statistics released pertaining to the rate of HIV infection are staggering. It has been reported that as many as 40% of newly infected individuals are of African or Latino decent. "It is for this reason we must stop the silence, speak up, be heard, and get tested", says Manasseh Nwaigwe, a Communicable Disease Specialist and A.D.A.M. Project Coordinator.

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Dr. Abdulmumin and Pastor Julio Andujo of Amos Temple
The panel consisted of; Dr. Wilbert Jordan of Oasis Clinic, Dr. James Kyle II, Charles Drew School of Medicine, Min. Sam Casey of C.O.P.E., and Nosente A. Uhuti, Coordinator of Ontrack (I.E.). Amongst the discussions of all panelists, Ms. Uhuti plea to the religious community present and not at the meeting to be more accepting and loving toward individuals with HIV/AIDS and not to concentrate so much on how the disease was contracted by the individual. Pastor Julio Andujo of Amos Temple CME proceeded to counter Ms. Uhuti's statement, by informing the participants that his church was different and is accepting of people in the community in need.

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Dr. Eric Frykman, Director of Public Health and Manasseh Nwaigwe of A.D.A.M.S.
In attendance at the meeting was an array of community leaders, individuals from other AIDS and health care organizations, as well as several other pastors. Additionally, several Riverside County employees participated in the discussion and shared some of their expertise on the subject matter. Families Living with AIDS Care Center, an organization founded by Curtis and Paulette Smith, a couple living with AIDS were also present, and these individuals freely shared their experience of life with the devastating disease.

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Pastor Carl and Pat Wiggins
The A.D.A.M. (African Descent AIDS Mobilization) project which is coordinated by Mr. Mwaigwe, who is assisted by Azizi Ann Brown has planned several more events to further discuss and develop solutions to fix the current way in which African Americans deal with HIV/AIDS and welcome the participation of any and all individuals who can assist in finding solutions to the problems faced in the community.

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Anthony Brown of Riverside County
The County of Riverside has set up several testing sites for the virus and welcomes anyone who feels they may be at risk to contact A.D.A.M. project toll free at: 1-877-NO DNIAL (663-6425)

 
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