Emailed from Rocky Dawuni, leaving Ghana
We started our first day with a briefing from Dr. Nii Akwei Addo, the head of the Ghana National Aids Control Program (NACP). This took place at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra where he used a Powerpoint presentation to illustrate the HIV/AIDS situation and how the Global Fund grants have been put to use. Elle Macpherson, Tamsin Smith, Adele Sulcas, Roz Hunt, Alexis Dormandy and I then visited the wards of the Teaching Hospital where we met and heard testimonies from nurses, clients and doctors about their needs and results of Global Fund-sponsored ARV treatments. At one of the wards we were all deeply moved when a bedridden client prayed for our team and (RED)'s efforts.
From Korle-Bu we traveled for an hour to Agomenya in the Eastern Region of Ghana. This is considered the epicenter of HIV/AIDs in Ghana and where the first trials of ARVs began at St. Martin's Hospital. We sat in on a counseling session for pregnant women and had a group discussion with HIV-positive clients who have all benefited from the medicine that's brought them back to life.
One recurrent theme in our town hall style discussion was the issue of the HIV stigma. Many had lost family support when they were diagnosed with the illness. This was really devastating considering the fact that family bonds form the cornerstone of African communities. Access to treatment has helped alleviates this since many can now support themselves again.
It was great to see them connect their joy with ours when Elle and I announced the (RED) grant. We explained that (RED) is a brand that empowered consumers to consciously influence their own lives and those of others through purchases.
We spent the evening at the Jazztone Club in Accra's Airport residential district. I was joined by some of my musical mentors, namely Mac Tontoh of Osibisa fame and Highlife legend Gyedu Blay Ambolley. The night evolved into a huge jam session with my friends and I taking turns on the microphone. It was a beautiful closure to a great day!
Sunday, June 17, 2007
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2 comments:
Ghana holds a special place in my heart. Over the last two years my professor (a Ghanaian) has let me travel with him back to his home where he has built a public library for the people of Accra. Ghana has such a significant history and the most beautiful people in the world. I am so thrilled to see (RED) working it's miracles for my friends in Ghana!
Thanks Rocky for sharing with us some of your experiences and feelings as you travelled with (RED) around your homeland.
I can only imagine how thrilled you must have been to be able to bring the people of Ghana the glorious news that (RED) money will soon be coming to Ghana via the Global Fund!
It is exactly for news like yours and Elle's and Tamsin's that I support (RED) so strongly. It is the BEST feeling to know that a purchase that you've made just helped to improve somebody's life in the world.
That is why I WILL CONTINUE TO BUY (RED) and to get everyONE that I know to do the same also. ~
Rocky, am I showing my age a bit by saying that I remember Osibisa? Not really, I guess since I started listening to them as a kid.(smile)
Take very good and gentle care of each other, my friends. Blessings will always be around.
ALWAYS (RED) AT HEART, debbie :)
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