Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2009. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
PRNewswire - October 21, 2009
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti, Oct. 21 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Internationally-renowned top model and actress Molly Sims today launched a new youth center for street children in Haiti's capital, Port-au-Prince. PSI (Population Services International) built the center with money donated from H&M's 2008 Fashion Against AIDS campaign. More than 1500 young children will benefit from the services provided at the center in its first year alone, with thousands more expected to benefit in the future. While the large majority of these children are those currently living on the street, many are children locally known as "restaveks" - young boys and girls sold into domestic slavery by desperately poor families in need of cash.
"It is heartbreaking to see so many young girls and boys suffering in a country just a few hours away from my own," said Sims, an Ambassador for PSI's child survival program Five & Alive. "I realize how incredibly fortunate I have been in my own life and I feel humbled to be able to work to share that good fortune with others."
Through its strong partnership with community based organizations and local NGOs, PSI/Haiti will provide clinical health services and education at the center, including reproductive health services and HIV testing and follow-up support. Haiti's HIV prevalence rate is at epidemic proportions, with more than 200,000 people suffering from the disease - it is the highest HIV rate in the entire Caribbean region. Street children and "restaveks" are among those most at risk for the disease as both groups are often regularly mistreated, abused and exposed to violent and life-threatening situations like sexual abuse.
PSI/Haiti has been working in the country for 20 years, helping to improve the health and well-being of people through programs in HIV prevention and treatment, reproductive health services, malaria prevention and child survival programs, such as safe water solutions and nutrition. The opening of the new youth center will allow PSI/Haiti to reach even more people in need of such services.
"I did not have any hope in my life, but since the arrival of this new project for Haitian Youth I am confidant to have a better future," said Farmara, one of the young Haitians who will benefit from the center. Added a friend Jordani, "Since the creation of this center, I see a peaceful future because of the small business training I'm willing to learn."
H&M has long been committed to raising awareness about HIV prevention and treatment. It has twice partnered with Designers Against AIDS on the Fashion Against AIDS campaign, which brings together well-known designers, musicians and artists to create fashion collections with 25% of the sales price going to the cause. The funds raised from the 2008 campaign will continue helping children at the center through the efforts of PSI/Haiti and its partners.
About PSI
PSI is a leading global health organization with programs targeting malaria, child survival, HIV and reproductive health. Working in partnership within the public and private sectors, and harnessing the power of the markets, PSI provides life-saving products, clinical services and behavior change communications that empower the world's most vulnerable populations to lead healthier lives. Learn more at www.psi.org.
SOURCE PSI
091021
PR091021
Copyright © 2009 - PRNewswire. All rights reserved. Reproduced with permission. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through PRNewswire, Permissions, 810 Seventh Ave., 32nd Floor, New York, NY 10019 http://www.prnewswire.com.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Pacific Life Foundation and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2009. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2009. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .