PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad and Tobago, Express – FOR many, Carnival is a time to 'free up', but it is also a high-risk period for transmission of sexually transmitted diseases, yet there has been a dismal lack of HIV prevention programmes especially during this time of the year, laments founder and project coordinator of RED Initiatives, O'Leo Lokai. “Prevention is better than cure, not only should there be ongoing HIV prevention throughout the year, but given that the Carnival season is also a high risk season, the focus should be on prevention and behaviour change programmes. Carnival is about enjoying yourself, but be responsible and protect yourself. You don't want to end the Carnival season with regret,” Lokai cautions. RED initiatives is a non-profit organisation that promotes HIV/STI prevention in areas of research, education and access to services (testing) with a focus on most at risk populations – sex workers, the homeless, migrants, at risk youth and high risk males including men who have sex with men (MSM).
