At Stg. Building Bridges…Saving Lives, we know that awareness is just the first spark, but effective HIV campaigns go far beyond that. It’s about educating, empowering, combating stigma, and mobilizing for action. Over the decades, campaigns have evolved dramatically, adapting to new challenges and scientific discoveries.

From Fear-Based Messages to Hope and Prevention

In the early years of the epidemic, many campaigns were driven by fear, warning about the dangers of HIV/AIDS. While these campaigns initially raised awareness, they also contributed to stigma and discrimination. Raw images and direct messages were used, which, though shocking, aimed to make an impact.

Over time, and with scientific advancements, campaigns evolved. They shifted from “fear to action” to focusing on:

Comprehensive education: Explaining how HIV is transmitted and, just as importantly, how it is not transmitted.
Condom use promotion: Creative and direct campaigns to normalize and encourage consistent condom use.
Importance of testing: “Know Your Status” became a mantra, encouraging people to get tested for HIV as a crucial step for prevention and access to treatment.

Iconic Campaigns and Their Impact

Various global campaigns have left an indelible mark:

“Red Ribbon”: Originating in the early 90s, the red ribbon became a global symbol of solidarity with people living with HIV and in support of awareness efforts. Its simplicity and visibility made it universally recognized.
“Undetectable = Untransmittable” (U=U): One of the most revolutionary campaigns in recent years. Promoted by the scientific and activist community, U=U has transformed the HIV narrative by communicating an irrefutable scientific fact: a person with HIV who is on treatment and has an undetectable viral load cannot sexually transmit the virus. This campaign has been vital in reducing stigma and empowering PLHIV.
PrEP Campaigns: With the advent of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), campaigns have focused on educating key populations about this highly effective prevention tool, presenting it as an empowering option for sexual health.

Stg. Building Bridges…Saving Lives’ Role in Awareness

Here in Suriname, at Stg. Building Bridges…Saving Lives, our campaigns are the heart of our work. We draw inspiration from global successes and adapt them to the specific needs of our vulnerable communities, including migrant women, sex workers, and youth.

Our initiatives, such as “Let’s Have That Conversation and STOP Violence Against Women” and “Building Bridges…Leaving No One Behind: HIV/AIDS Migrant Awareness Campaign,” exemplify how we:

Adapt messages: We communicate in Spanish, Haitian Creole, and other local languages to ensure information reaches everyone.
Combat stigma: We create safe spaces and promote empathy.
Empower with knowledge: We offer legal literacy, sexual health and rights education, and access to services.
Use modern platforms: Social media is key to disseminating vital information on SRHR, GBV, and human rights.
Build community: Peer education sessions and support groups are fundamental to strengthening collective resilience.

HIV campaigns are not just posters and slogans; they are the engine that drives change, the voice that challenges silence, and the bridge that connects people with hope and services. By continuing to build and adapt these campaigns, we are one step closer to a Suriname and a world free from HIV and stigma.