During their presentation, the Momohs will examine cultural myths and realities with an emphasis on healthcare. They guarantee to dispel common myths and stereotypes associated with HIV/AIDs.

The Momohs are natives of Sierra Leone and came to the U.S. in the mid 1970s to attend college. They are now U.S. citizens and proud Texans. In 1995, the Momohs co-founded the non-profit SLAO to reduce health disparities in communities of color and emerging populations in Houston and Harris County. As executive director, Judith coordinates programs and services related to HIV/STD, cancer and teen pregnancy. Matthew serves as program manager.

Matthew has more than 20 years of experience in public health with an emphasis on HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases. He has watched Houston evolve from no HIV/AIDS outreach in the early 1980s to the creation of an HIV division under the Houston Department of Health and Human Service, where he served as administrative assistant to the bureau chief.

Since the mid-1980s, Matthew has produced and hosted a public affairs program on KPFT 90.1 FM to bridge the gap between immigrants and native-born Americans. The program was awarded Best Talk Show in Houston by the Houston Press in 2000 and commendations by the U.S. Customs Services and the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Services. He is a former chairman of the National Organization of Sierra Leoneans in North America.

Judith’s knowledge of HIV/AIDS comes from her work as a public health investigator, counselor and educator with both the City of Houston and Harris County. In that role she provided counseling, testing, referrals and HIV/AIDS related services. Her work has been recognized with outstanding volunteer awards from Houston’s African and Caribbean communities.

Judith said the founding of SLAO was sparked by the huge gap between available healthcare and immigrants’ knowledge and trust of what was available. It was not uncommon for her to see a woman eight months pregnant who had not received any pre-natal care.

While Matthew praises Houston’s improved delivery of healthcare to immigrants, he said it is also a “two-edged sword” when it comes to HIV/AIDS.

“People have become complacent so there’s now an increase in HIV infections,” he said.

Along with the new cases, Matthew said the face of HIV/AIDS is changing.

“No longer is HIV restricted to homosexual, white males. Now it’s found in heterosexuals. And there has been a dramatic increase in the disease among African-American and Latino women,” he said.

During the lecture, the Momohs will look at the various perceptions of HIV and treatment costs in the United States versus Africa and the Caribbean.

The final WCJC Spring 2006 President’s Lecture Series will be held on Thursday, March 2. Fred S. Zeidman, chairman of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council in Washington, D.C., is the featured speaker. His presentation, “From Wharton to Washington,” will look at the lessons of the Holocaust and how they’re applicable to Americans today.

For more information about the WCJC President’s Lecture Series, visit www.wcjc.edu or call 979.532.6322 or 1.800.561.9252, ext. 6322.

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