Because of the nature of their work seafarers spend long periods of time away from their families and therefore represent a group at higher risk for sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV infection. Unsafe sex, drug addiction, or procedures such as tattooing all play a relevant role in HIV transmission.
Seafarers are one of the populations worst hit by HIV/AIDS in parts of south east Asia — Cambodia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic Burma, Thailand, Vietnam and Yunan province (China). Prevalence rates among seafarers are as high as 22% in some places. Working conditions onboard a merchant vessel can make it harder for seafarers to access information about HIV prevention and related services to decrease their risk of becoming infected. Because seafarers are a highly mobile population, they aren’t always able to visit shore-based medical and information services. This is why it is important that advice and information on HIV and AIDS continues to be freely provided for seafarers. Ship Visitors and Chaplains can be a source of information, care and concern. May we continue to do all that we can to help educate and provide support. Check here for the ITF Report on HIV/AIDS in the maritime sector: www.itfglobal.org/media/819789/hiv_survey.pdf A Prayer for World Aids Day God, open our eyes to the systems around us that oppress, hold down, and disadvantage the most vulnerable in our society, so that we may increase and abound in our love for one another and for all people. God, open our ears to the myths, stereotypes, and lies that keep these systems going, so that we may increase and abound in our love for one another and for all people. God, open our mouths to challenging conversations about race, sex, and differences, so that we may increase and abound in our love for one another and for all people. God, open our hearts to the understanding that we are all affected by HIV/AIDS, so that we may increase and abound in our love for one another and for all people. This prayer first appeared in a bulletin insert for World AIDS Day created by the United Church of Canada.
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As the Crow Flies is a podcast series written and produced by Archives
December 2020
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