Monday, June 16, 2014 - The Virgin Gorda community put the ‘fun’ in Funtestic Friday as they attained the highest number of persons to test in a single day in observance of Regional HIV Testing Day (RTD).
National AIDS Programme (NAP) Coordinator, Mrs. Noelene Levons-Clarke said, “Regional Testing Day had a resounding response in Virgin Gorda with the community completing 64 HIV rapid tests for the very first time on Regional Testing Day, as compared to less than 50 in previous years”
She continued, “The Virgin Gorda community really came out this year which means that the event was well promoted and persons are now more aware and sensitised on the importance of having an HIV test done. The demand actually became more obvious when we ran out of test kits and more persons, especially construction workers, were still coming.”
The Health and Wellness Expo began with opening remarks being provided by Scotia Bank Branch Manager, Road Town and The Valley, Mr. Ryan Best, National AIDS Programme Coordinator, Mrs. Noelene Levons-Clarke and Miss Easter Festival, Ms. Tecora Morgan.
Attendees enjoyed music by DJ Night Nurse while having their blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol and HIV tests done by the BVI Diabetes Association, BVI Health Services Authority and the National AIDS Programme.
Information on nutrition was provided by the Community Health Nutritionist; games, puzzles and giveaways were offered by the BVI Social Security Board and Scotia Bank BVI Ltd; condoms were distributed by NAP; information on healthy relationships and giveaways were offered by the Office of Gender Affairs; health foods such as fruits, vegetables and tofu spread sandwiches were provided by Nature’s Way BVI; and mini back rubs and massages provided by La Ambience Spa.
“In order to meet this demand, Scotia Bank BVI Ltd. and the National AIDS Programme have therefore decided to travel to Virgin Gorda once again on Friday, June 20 from 12 noon until 6p.m. to ensure that all persons who are interested in being tested can have a test done,” said Mrs. Clarke.
The National AIDS Programme extends its appreciation to the people of Virgin Gorda for such a positive response and all the community partners that made the day a success.
For more information on the Regional HIV Testing Day and the Health and Wellness Expos, telephone Mrs. Noelene Levons-Clarke or Ms. Kenya Jeffers at 468-9785 or 468-4371. Alternatively, persons can email nclarke@gov.vg or kjeffers@gov.vg.
The National AIDS Programme in the Ministry of Health and Social Development functions as the HIV/AIDS focal point for the Virgin Islands and collaborates with local, regional and international agencies to mitigate the socio-economic impacts of HIV/AIDS.
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British Virgin Islands News