Roadtown, Tortola - The Ministry of Health and Social Development is hoping for a positive response from men in the Virgin Islands (UK) when the Office of Gender Affairs hosts its fourth annual Men’s Health Month under the theme “Men’s Health and Wellness: Coping with Everyday Lifestyles.”
Official activities for the month will run from July 1 – 18, when various issues that impact men’s health will attract attention. Head of the Office of Gender Affairs Ms. Patricia Hackett says a Blue Ribbon Campaign will be part of the month’s opening activities on Wednesday, 1 July.
“The campaign will target men across the Territory. It was also proposed that ribbons be distributed at the different educational sessions during the month,” she said. Educational sessions, which will be facilitated by doctors, have been scheduled from July 2 – 16.
A major event for the month will be a health fair for men on Friday, 17 July in the Breezeway of the Central Administration Building in Road Town. “Several agencies including vendors will include the BVI Diabetes Association, the National AIDS Programme, Health and Fitness Gym, and the Community Mental Health Division will be participating,” Ms. Hackett noted.
According to her the Social Development Department and BVI Health Services Authority’s Food and Nutrition Unit have also been confirmed to participate in the men’s health fair.
Other planned activities for the month include a domino competition in collaboration with the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports, a special newspaper supplement, and guest appearances on Morning Devotions and the Almanac on ZBVI Radio 780AM.
The Office of Gender Affairs operated under the Premier’s Office before it was transferred to the Ministry of Health and Social Development last year. Among other things, the office is responsible for developing and implementing policies and programs that promote gender equality in the Virgin Islands (UK).
British Virgin Islands News