Antigua Leg of Regional HIV/AIDS Testing Day Dubbed A Success

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You & Your Family

Saturday, 30 June 2012 02:30

By caribarena news

Antigua St. John’s - AIDS Programme Manager Delcora Williams has described the Antigua leg of the fifth annual HIV/AIDS Regional Testing Day a “major success.”
 

Yesterday, more than 200 persons accessed free and confidential HIV testing at Scotiabank’s High Street and Woods Mall locations.
 
“It is critical for everyone to know your status, and the only way to do so is to get tested,” Williams said.
 
More than six certified HIV/AIDS officials from the Ministry of Health were assigned to conduct the free and confidential testings.
 
Though pleased with the turnout, Williams advised residents who were unable to access the testings that the programme will continue under the National AIDS Programmes from Monday to Thursday at the AIDS Secretariat within the Ministry of Health, Social Transformation, Consumer Affairs and Local Government.
 
Several officials from the Ministry of Health led by example and got tested publicly, to include Senator Malaka Parker, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Social Transformation, Consumer Affairs and Local Government. Last year, Minister of Health Willmoth Daniel was among the officials who did likewise.
 

Senator Parker thanked the non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and Community Based Organisations (CBOs) for their partnership with government on this critical nation building exercise.
 
Among the organisations disseminating and sharing experiences and information were Medical Benefits, Substance Abuse Division, the Directorate of Gender Affairs, Frank B Armstrong, Antigua & Barbuda Health Hope & HIV Network, American University of Antigua, Ministry of Health and Caribbean HIV/AIDS Alliance.
 
Hundreds of condoms were distributed, and demonstrations of correct usage were done at the two Scotiabank locations.
 
Acting Country Manager Scotiabank Antigua & Barbuda Gordon Juilen said today’s involvement is a strong symbol of the financial institution’s commitment that testing for HIV and AIDS should neither be feared nor shunned.
 
The theme for 2012 Regional Testing Day was “A Healthy Lifestyle Getting To Zero New HIV infections.”

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