By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

WHAT does a banana have to do with HIV/AIDS prevention? It is the symbol used in a campaign launched by the local health community to promote safer sex and the message:

“Don’t Get Caught Unpeeled”.

A group of health professionals formed a fun/scrape Junkanoo group and took this message to Rawson Square during the New Year’s Day parade. The group focused on getting the “Don’t Get Caught Unpeeled” message across to Junkanoo enthusiasts.

Sandwiched between the Fancy Dancers and The Shell Saxons Superstars, they achieved their objective of mass condom distribution, as hundreds of male and female condoms, lubricants and bananas were freely distributed.  

During the parade the campaign’s slogan “Don’t Get Caught Unpeeled”, was paraded through the streets, emphasising the message of safe sex.

While the health experts enjoyed the fun rush out, they remain focused on the serious nature of HIV and their duty to aggressively prevent its spread.

The campaign was launched by the National HIV/AIDS Centre, the Ministry of Health and PEPFAR.

“HIV is a chronic disease that is manageable with care and treatment. However, we must continually educate and empower toward avoidance as prevention is still the best option. The banana-themed HIV prevention campaign is intended to promote condom use as a physical barrier to HIV transmission,” said Dr Delon Brennen, deputy chief medical officer of the Ministry of Health.

The goal of the initiative is to reduce HIV transmission through an informative, engaging promotion that encourages safer sexual practices. Junkanoo was thought to be the ideal cultural event, to reach a mass crowd.

Since its launch, the banana-themed HIV prevention campaign has been featured on vehicle magnets, condom pouches, condom dispensaries in nightclub bathrooms, flyers, t-shirts and at various public outreach events.

“The aim of the campaign is to use imagery to capture attention and create retainable impressions on the minds of people. The banana was selected because it is eye-catching, vivid and vibrant. It is undoubtedly recognisable and the campaign’s true symbolism is easily detectable,” Maxine Seymour, PEPFAR media specialist told Tribune Health.

At testing events, participants receive free banana-splits, banana bread, banana pudding and banana daiquiris along with condoms in exchange for reciting the “Don’t Get Caught Unpeeled” HIV prevention message.

The Junkanoo health community outreach follows similar endeavours to educate the public on how to avoid HIV/AIDS. The National HIV/AIDS Centre, the Ministry of Health, and PEPFAR regularly conduct public outreach and testing events in local communities, and at heavily populated venues like the Fish Fry. Health services and counselling are available at the venues.

Artist Arjuna Watson is in the process of completing HIV/AIDS prevention murals in high traffic locations throughout New Providence. So far, the murals have been painted on walls at Arawak Cay and Blue Hill Road.  

Health experts who participated in the rush out included Dr Delon Brennen; Marva Jervis, acting manager of the National HIV/AIDS Centre, Paula Bowleg, programme manager of PEPFAR/CDC CoAg; and Dr Indira Martin, manager of the HIV Reference Lab.