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The Linden Care Foundation (LCF), a non-governmental organization established seven years ago in Linden to assist in counseling and educating persons afflicted with HIV/ AIDS, on Friday, January 25, last, hosted its annual awards dinner at the Watooka Club in Linden.
Among the distinguished guests was US Ambassador David Robinson, who echoed the sentiments of Region Ten’s Chairman Mortimer Mingo and Interim Management Committee Chairman, Orin Gordon in his endorsement of the invaluable work being done by LCF.
Robinson said that out of more than US$15 billion donated worldwide in the fight against AIDS by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), more than US$7 million was given to civil society groups in Guyana.
“We are here because we all know of the global impact of HIV/AIDS: millions of lives lost, diminishing work forces and deteriorating families. The list is long and sad.
But, we also know that the best response is local, through partnerships that bring together non-governmental organizations, faith-based groups, and members of the private sector. Your work is making a difference in Region Ten and is setting an example throughout Guyana and beyond,” Robinson declared.
He pointed out that the United States is proud to support the Foundation’s efforts, and pledged continued commitment to preventing new infections and caring and treating those affected by HIV/AIDS; emphasizing that through collaborative efforts, hope and healing would become accessible where most needed.
Regional Chairman Mortimer Mingo commended the LCF’s great role in the community in its efforts to ensure a better quality of life, for the vulnerable group of persons they cater to.
Noting that tolerance and inclusiveness could only have a positive impact, Mingo expressed optimism of continued collaboration between the Regional Democratic Council and LCF.
He said that the work of LCF has gained in importance over the years, as there has been progression, from dealing with stigma and discrimination, to peer education about the disease; and promoting the inclusion of persons with HIV/AIDS as individuals with a significant contribution to make to development.
The Linden Care Foundation is located on Casurina Drive, Mackenzie, Linden, and was established in 2001, caring for four children who were tested positive for AIDS.
Its mission is to curtail the spread of HIV/AIDS in Region 10.
Initially the organization collaborated with eight other NGOs, becoming a part of the Guyana HIV/AIDS/STI youth project, also called the “ready body” project.
In 2004, the LCF gained support from “Family Health International”, towards the prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT). The two projects were the primary response to the HIV/AIDS crisis in Guyana at the time.
LCF has grown tremendously since.
The organization has progressed from merely sensitizing the public about stigma and discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS, to offering voluntary counseling and testing, and comprehensive services for orphans and vulnerable children, which include home-based care.
The Guyana HIV/AIDS Reduction and Prevention (GHARP) Project has been providing technical support, leadership development training, and capacity development to LCF.
A senior official of GHARP said that his organization remains committed to collaborating with LCF in the execution of their mandate, which is eloquently worded in their mission statement, “reduce the psychosocial impact of HIV/AIDS on persons living with or affected by the disease, through counseling, education, care support and other activities”.
LCFs care and support programme includes pre- and post-test counseling, nutritional enhancement for children infected and/or affected by HIV/AIDS, nutritional education, facilitation of social welfare services, referrals for medical and other services, low cost vitamins and drugs for opportunistic infections associated with HIV/AIDS, and life skills training sessions.
CHALLENGES
According to reports out of LCF, stigma and discrimination have been fuelling the epidemic, with poverty, or low socio economic standing helping to exacerbate the many social welfare issues prevalent among HIV patients.
CARE AND SUPPORT
LCFs New York Link, which provides much needed training for staff, has helped to consolidate their services, thereby increasing their accessibility to clients.
Strict adherence to treatment anti retrovirals (ARVs) by clients has reportedly impacted positively in terms of their continued care.
With the humblest of beginnings at the Christianburg Magistrate’s Court, the Linden Care Foundation has certainly come a long way.
The organization presently provides for the needs of three hundred and twenty-six (326) vulnerable persons that is those infected, orphaned or affected in some way by the disease. Of that number there are 104 positive cases with twelve of those being children.
Since its establishment, the organization has been able to make direct and indirect contact with persons living with HIV, and has been actively involved with educational and prevention campaigns through peer group education and counseling.
The Foundation’s prevention and heath care activities are executed with support from Guyana HIV/AIDS Reduction programme (GHARP), Every Child Guyana, Health Sector Development Unit (HSDU) United Nation’s Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and Linden Fund USA.
Persons awarded by LCF for invaluable service at their annual dinner included Grace Chapman, for her contribution to puppetry; Regina Sills, who was voted volunteer of the year; Gail Jack for dedicated service; with Keeran Williams copping the humanitarian award.
Other awardees were Colleen Noble, Yvette Dublin, Vashtie Greene, Naomi Cox, Minci Graham, Rushell McCalmon, Soma Peters and Cathy Wilson.
By Enid Joaquin |
