BASSETERRE St. Kitts,November 27th 2013 - The Virgin Islands will join the rest of the world on December 1 in the celebration of World AIDS Day under the theme “Getting to Zero” a theme which can only be achieved through testing.
“When we speak about getting to zero we mean zero new HIV infections, zero babies born with HIV and zero deaths from AIDS related illnesses. The only way we can get that done is to know our HIV status and the only way to know, is to get tested,” National AIDS Coordinator, Mrs. Noelene Clarke told the Department of Information and Public Relations.
According to Mrs. Clarke a person who tests negative will do whatever is necessary to keep it that way. For persons who test positive, they can access care, treatment and support needed to prevent the progression to AIDS
“Get tested now! Whether you are single, married, widowed, or divorced, old, young, male or female, get an HIV test done,” Mrs. Clarke impressed.
As part of commemoration celebrations for World AIDS Day “Get Tested” a song written by Master Bjorn Herbert with instrumental included and sung by the group Harmonix, whose members include Ms. Kamyce Penn, Ms. Allysa Harrigan, Ms. Natasha McGlore and Ms. Jana Penn will be launched.
“We are looking forward to the launch of this song. This is an excellent song and speaks to real life situations that can pre-dispose us to the disease,” Mrs. Clarke said.
Adding, “We hope the community really listens to the song and the lessons contained within as we strive to get to zero.”
The Human Immune Deficiency Virus (HIV) enters the body through blood, semen, vaginal secretions or breast milk by way of unprotected sexual contact. Transmission can also occur from a mother to a child during pregnancy, birth or breast feeding, or contaminated body piercings and tattoos.
An HIV test only takes 20 minutes and is available at any doctor’s office, medical centre or health clinic at a small cost. HIV tests are also offered at no cost to you, at the National AIDS Programme, located on the second floor of the Bettito Frett Building.
The National AIDS programme is committed to mitigating the health and socio-economic impact of HIV/AIDS on individuals, families and communities of the Virgin Islands.
*************************
DISCLAIMER
This article was posted in its entirety as received by SKNVibes.com. This media house does not correct any spelling or grammatical error within press releases and commentaries. The views expressed therein are not necessarily those of SKNVibes.com, its sponsors or advertisers
British Virgin Islands News