Ministry of Health

Members of Jamaica's popular music community have come out in support of the fight against HIV/AIDS. The group, Artists against AIDS chaired by Patrick "Tony Rebel" Barret, has been working with UNICEF and The Ministry of Health to promote abstinence and consistent condom use among young people.

This summer through a project funded by UNICEF, the group made an accompanying music video to their song "Protect Prepare." The song, which is aimed at encouraging sexually active young people to use a condom, was recorded about two years ago. However it has received very little media attention.

Chairman Tony Rebel is hoping that the video will bring the attention the song deserves.
"The song, even though it was recorded two years ago, is still relevant and still sounds current."
He adds that it is also to be seen as an important contribution made by the artists involved.
"What we are saying is that we recognize that we have this instrument of influence and we want to use it for this particular message. Our young people must realize the risks involved with sex and they must be educated and encouraged to make the right choices."

As part of the UNICEF project, which is being conducted in association with the Ministry of Health's National HIV/STI Control Programme, the song is being used as a teaching tool among young people at selected summer camps across the island. Several artists have also made special appearances at the camps to further drive home the importance of this issue to the youngsters.

Artists against AIDS, whose core membership includes Pam Hall, Ibo Cooper and caberet singer Sabrina Williams, is hoping to attract more members who have a younger fan base. Beenie Man, Assassin and Cecile are all being targeted to play a larger role in the group.