AEGiS-IFRC: Using rock music to promote HIV prevention in Ecuador

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2005. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Using rock music to promote HIV prevention in Ecuador

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies - April 11, 2005
Cristina Medina in Quitos

"You may think it won't happen to you that it only touches dirty people. You feel invulnerable? Who can assure you of that? There is always death in the Russian roulette. And if you test positive? What about that? What will you do with your life?"

The song lyrics are stark. They tell young people that they can be directly affected by this problem. It may seem distant, but a different family is hit every day.

The Ecuadorian Red Cross uses music to integrate young people in the dynamics of prevention, which answers two questions every youth asks: what information do you have? How can I get it?

"Talking about these issues is difficult, but we must conduct prevention campaigns among the young, who are a group at higher risk of contracting HIV. When you are young you feel invulnerable to everything, and that you own the future," says Guillermo Yanez, provincial director of the Ecuadorian Red Cross Youth.

This song was recorded by the rock group, "Caceria de Lagartos" (Lizard Hunt), a group that "wanted to write a song to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS issues," according to Yanez. "The Red Cross gave them advice on this issue and participated in the campaign."

The members of the group lend their time and knowledge to do video forums around the country, where after the presentation of the video clip on stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV or AIDS, young people are invited to reflect upon sexuality, drug abuse and loyalty to a partner.

In 2004, 13 video forums were organized in institutions such as the William Shakespeare school, Vida Nueva (New Life), the Army Polytechnic University, in the city of Ambato, among others.

"We believe that working with schools and universities in the field of prevention can change the statistics and promote a culture of information, thus contributing to fighting the stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV or AIDS," Yanez explains.

This year, the Youth Programme will continue organizing video forums in six provinces; promoting talks and fairs on key dates, such as World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day on 8 May, and World AIDS Day on 1 December; strengthening the network with youth volunteers, and extending the advisory services to people who approach the Ecuadorian Red Cross for the HIV test.

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