Barbers and cosmetologists are now being trained to provide free counselling and testing to customers in the fight against HIV/ AIDS. Coordinator of the Cosmetologist and Barbers Association of Guyana, Tracey Bailey, said that the association not only deals with HIV and AIDS education, but also looks at other pertinent issues that affect society.
Bailey told this newspaper that the project is in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association ( GRPA), from which relevant information is accessed to educate and train cosmetologists and barbers.
She also pointed out that there are only a few salons and barber shops participating in this training, and the association is calling for more shops to get onboard.
Some of the barber shops and salons that have already joined the project include Kevin’s Reflections; DJ’s Magic Fingers Hair Salon, and Holly’s.
Individuals trained under the project are required to answer simple HIV related questions, pass out informational material, dispense both male and female condoms to clients, and even provide on- site counselling and testing.
This training, along with counselling, is currently ongoing in Regions Three, Four and Ten.
Some shops and salons that are already on board have been chosen based on their location in malls, parks, popular attractions, or low- income communities.
Once those locations were identified, two employees from each shop were sent for training on basic HIV and AIDS education and prevention means.
They were also taught to properly monitor the project, and were introduced to safe practices within the context of their own work ( for example, ensuring the sterility of hair cutting machines, razors, needles for stitching and weaving, manicure and pedicure implements, and tattooing and body- piercing equipment).
Currently, over 7000 male and 400 female condoms are being distributed monthly on request in some of the barber shops and salons.
According to a UNFPA statement, the project is important because of Guyana’s small population, total of 751, 223 citizens, which has one of the highest HIV prevalence rates in the region, about 1.6 per cent for pregnant women affected, according to UNAIDS. Among sex workers, the prevalence rate shoots up to 26.6 per cent.
AIDS is, however, currently the leading cause of death among the 20- 49 age groups. Work on the project was initiated in 2009 through efforts of the UN Country Theme Group, chaired by UNFPA. Also collaborating on the project is Youth Challenge Guyana ( YCG). UNFPA has since been providing continuous support with regular follow- ups and monitoring for participating barber shops and salons. The project aims to afford some 2000 young people access to information, skills, services, and supplies they can use to protect their health.
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