Friday, July 4, 2014 - The Government of the Virgin Islands is pleased with the large turnout of Virgin Islands residents during the “Funtestic Friday” Health and Wellness Expo.
According to National AIDS Programme (NAP) Coordinator, Mrs. Noelene Levons-Clarke, a total of 99 persons were tested on Virgin Gorda, 17 persons were tested on Jost Van Dyke, 14 persons were tested on Anegada and 82 persons were tested on Tortola. Overall, 212 persons were tested territory-wide when compared with previous years. In 2010, there were a total of 75 people tested; in 2011: 172; in 2012: 102 and in 2013: 117.
The expo, which was held on June 27, culminated Caribbean Regional Testing Day activities. The event was aimed to heighten public awareness on the importance of voluntary testing and counselling in preventing the spread of HIV infection. The expo was also designed to get the Territory to take advantage of accessing free HIV testing.
In her opening remarks during the expo, National AIDS Programme (NAP) Coordinator, Mrs. Noelene Levons-Clarke said, “Regional Testing Day is very important in our Territory because it encourages individuals to know their status and it promotes good sexual health habits.”
She said, “I am especially pleased with the amount of persons who came out to get tested on our sister islands.”
Speaking on behalf of the Minister for Health and Social Development, Member for House of Assembly Honourable Archibald Christian emphasised the importance of Regional Testing Day and the efforts of the Government through the Ministry of Health and Social Development to drive down the number of HIV and AIDS cases in the Territory.
He stated, “[There are about] 50 percent of the population who do not know their HIV status, therefore HIV counselling and testing prevents the spread of HIV infection by increasing one’s awareness of their status and enabling their access to treatment as well as preventing the spread of the infection to their sexual partners.”
Remarks were also given by the Branch Manager of Scotia Bank Mr. Ryan Best, Junior Minister of Tourism, Ms. Roylia Jackson and Miss Easter Festival Miss. Tecora Morgan.
Regional Testing Day was hosted by the National AIDS Programme under the auspices of the Ministry of Health and Social Development in collaboration with Scotia Bank British Virgin Islands Limited, the Pan Caribbean Partnership against HIV/AIDS and the Caribbean Broadcast Media Partnership against HVI/AIDS.
For more information on HIV Testing or Counselling, contact Mrs. Noelene Clarke at 468-4371, 468-9785 or by email at nclarke@gov.vg.
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