GRAND TURK AND PROVIDENCIALES – May 15, 2007 – The Turks and Caicos Islands National AIDS Program (NAP) today launched a new web site that extends the services and reach of the central advisory, planning and policy-making body. Designed with the youth in mind, the site (www.tcinationalaidsprogram.com) offers a wealth of information, statistics, news, reports, special features and events about the HIV/AIDS epidemic from a local and world-wide perspective.

"Globally, half of all new HIV infections are among young people so reaching out to them is fundamental to our work," said Cherylann Jones, the National Program coordinator. "The Internet is the most effective way to reach young people today. We’re indebted to the Turks and Caicos AIDS Awareness Foundation for bringing us the opportunity to create this site, which we know will become an invaluable communications tool. We are also grateful to the members of Rapport for their input on the design and functionality of the site and helping ensure it is attractive to our target audience. Together, we are making huge strides in stopping the spread of this destructive disease and ensuring a brighter future for generations to come."
The site was developed in partnership with the Turks and Caicos AIDS Awareness Foundation (TCAAF), a non-profit organization formed to help fight the spread of HIV/AIDS through education and awareness. The TCAAF conceived the idea for the site and provided the necessary funding to build and maintain it.

"With its widespread use and accessibility, the Internet can only magnify the effectiveness of our joint efforts in the fight against HIV/AIDS," said Hon. Galmo Williams, founder of the TCAAF. "Initially, we envisioned the site to be a portal for displaying the efforts, progress and accomplishments of the National AIDS Program. However, we now realize it can do so much more. With its graphical, interactive nature, the Web enables us to engage the youth on a whole new level and equip them with the knowledge and information they need to make smart, healthy choices. We believe this will have a positive and meaningful impact on our country’s response to HIV/AIDS."

One of the main goals of the site was to appeal to the needs and interests of the youth. Bright colors and veritable photography along with artwork produced by children and teenagers living in Turks and Caicos are used throughout the site to reinforce a friendly, approachable feel to the site. Whenever possible, all information is presented in a straightforward manner, so the content can be accessed by all ranges of literacy levels. The site features an option that allows users to anonymously post questions and receive responses from medical experts. All previously posted questions and responses are displayed on the site for all to view. There is also a place where visitors can request to chat live with a professionally-trained counselor.

Local marketing agency, Wired Island, was tapped to design, build and implement the new site and has worked closely with the NAP, directors of the TCAAF and Rapport to bring the site to life. The company has provided its services at a reduced rate as a contribution to the country’s overall effort to fight HIV/AIDs.

The Turks and Caicos National AIDS Program provides national leadership in helping control and fight the HIV epidemic by working with community and international partners on research, prevention and treatment programs and creating an environment where people can effectively respond to the many challenges of HIV/AIDS.

The Caribbean is the most-affected region in this hemisphere by HIV/AIDS and is second only to sub-Saharan Africa in terms of the impact of the disease. It is the leading cause of death among adults (ages 15-44) in the Caribbean, and a quarter of a million people in the region are living with HIV or AIDS, half of which are women, and a third between the ages of 15-24.
Contact: Cherylann Jones (649) 946-1675