Pupils make their mark at AIDS conference
They first learnt about the UN AIDS 90-90-90 target through drama workshops and health messaging.
PUPILS from St Benedict School gathered at The Denis Hurley Centre to participate in the Global AIDS conference during their July school holidays, to be a part of an inspiring project working towards an AIDS–free generation.
They learnt the concept that 90 per cent of people need to test for HIV and of those people who are tested positive 90 per cent need to take anti-retrovirals (ARVs) and of those people who take ARVs 90 per cent will be virally supressed and are less likely to spread the virus.
“This also means even though you have been tested negative, you must encourage the 90-90-90 concept so that eventually by 2020 the virus will be suppressed and by 2030 we will be an AIDS-free generation,” said Grade 9 pupil, Jessica Collings.
Pupils took part in contributing to make 6000 butterflies using old ice-cream containers and yoghurt tubs and then decorated them with symbols of their choice, including variations on the idea of 90.
The butterflies that were made have been used to make a sculpture for The Denis Hurley Centre in support of an AIDS-free generation.
