~~Adz:Left~~Basseterre, St. Kitts (December 17, 2007): National VCT Day a regular component of the World AIDS Campaign takes place December 19, this year.
VCT or Voluntary Counseling and Testing involves pre-test counseling which includes a discussion of what is HIV and how it can be contracted which is followed by the actual administering of the HIV blood test. Individuals who had their tests done, get same-day results along with post-test counseling, they also receive a $10 cell phone top-up complements Cable and Wireless bMobile.
The various steps of the procedure is done by trained VCT providers who employ the strictest confidentiality. The labels on the blood samples are also coded to protect the identity of persons.
All are invited to come to Independence Square from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on December 19 to “know your status.”
VCT is one of the regular activities undertaken by the National AIDS Secretariat over a period of four years. According to an official from the Secretariat, Cable and Wireless has been a valuable partner for three of those years.
On National VCT Day, similar activities will take place in Nevis at the Charlestown Methodist Church. Additional information can be obtained by calling 467-1234 for the St. Kitts activities and 469-8010 Nevis.
Tomorrow, December 18, a Whistle Stop takes place around St. Kitts. A motorcade will travel first to St. Peter’s, then east around the island stopping in various communities. Residents are asked to be on the lookout for health personnel and volunteers as they distribute HIV/AIDS information and promotional items.
