Gomez: Rise in number of new HIV infections -
By STAFF WRITER, Guardian News Desk:
Nassau, Bahamas -

Pointing to a rise in new HIV infections this year and in 2006, Director of the National AIDS program stressed the importance of raising funds to promote HIV/AIDS prevention and awareness, during a press conference for ColinaImperial's upcoming Red Ribbon Ball.

Although new HIV infections had declined from 650 in 1990 to 250 in 2004, Gomez said there were 298 new infections in 2006 and 166 new infections by the end of June this year.

Encouraging ColinaImperial Insurance Co. Ltd. and partner sponsors of the Red Ribbon Ball to continue raising funds for HIV/AIDS prevention and awareness, Gomez said that the "emphasis must be on prevention." The director noted that the increased funds will be needed for expensive long-term treatment and monitoring.

The annual ColinaImperial Red Ribbon Ball will be held on November 17 in the Atlantis Grand Ballroom, and is expected to raise $50,000 towards the cause. The ball has raised more than $600,000 for the AIDS Foundation over the past 13 years.

Officials said that funds from the next few balls are expected to enable the Foundation to pay a mortgage on a three-bedroom, two-bathroom house in southern New Providence that can accommodate four to five children. The purchase of and renovations to the house will cost $200,000.

ColinaImperial president Montgomery Brathwaite pledged continued commitment to the fight against AIDS, noting the role of the community.

"Although we are very successful, it cannot happen without the support of our community in general," he said. "For those individuals who have not yet got your tickets for the ball, I certainly invite you to do so."

Kerzner International, a major partner sponsor of the Ball for the past seven years, presented the AIDS Foundation with a $25,000 check at the press conference.

Ed Fields, Sr. Vice President of Public Affairs for Kerzner International pointed to the importance of partnerships in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

11/08/07