Sheena Gayle, Freelance Writer
Western Bureau:
Two persons have taken a bold move to address the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Jamaica through volunteering to participate in the country's vaccine programme, which seeks to fine a cure for this deadly disease.
With more than 25,000 persons infected with HIV in Jamaica, 29-year-old fashion designer Paulette Rowe and 37-year-old art student Christopher William are proud participants in the local HIV Vaccine Research and hope to be part of scientific history one day.
Although both participants are not infected with the virus, Rowe said her friends and co-workers still have a difficult time accepting her decision to be part of the experiment.
Motivation
"Sometimes they call me 'lab rat' or 'guinea pig' but being the person I am and the knowledge I have about this disease, I know that I cannot contract HIV from participating in the programme. Therefore, I try to educate them by what I am doing, so they can also be a part of it," she revealed.
In responding questions about her motivation for entering this research, Rowe noted that "with so many AIDS cases in Jamaica a lot of persons are not aware and if I can help to curb the epidemic in this small way, I am going to do it. This is my contribution because I don't have the money to buy the medications for those who are infected".
Her colleague, William, ex-pressed similar sentiments in rationalising his participation in the research.
Controlled research
"I would like to see my son grow up in an HIV-free world and I am making an start to that process. I knew persons who died from this deadly disease, so I'd like to help to find a cure."
Both participants have been a part of the programme for the last 12 months.
The HIV Vaccine Research in Jamaica is a carefully controlled research in which an experi-mental vaccine is given to a healthy, HIV-negative person who is between the ages of 18 and 60. This participant will spend 12 months or more in follow-up study where researchers observe how their bodies respond to the trial.
