Remember: Be AIDS aware
DECEMBER 1 was World Aids Day, and Jamaica celebrated the day under the theme ‘Keep the Promise: Hands Up for #HIVPrevention’, which focuses on investing in HIV prevention.
According to the UNAIDS 2016 Prevention Gap Report, there are an estimated 39,000 persons living with HIV in Jamaica, with less than half of that figure knowing their HIV status. Jamaica has therefore been charged with the task of reducing new HIV infections.
“Knowing your status is the first step towards the elimination of HIV in Jamaica” said Dr Dana Morris Dixon, chairperson of the board of directors at the National Family Planning Board – Sexual Health Agency (NFPB-SHA).
As a result, the NFPB-SHA, in collaboration with the AIDS Healthcare Foundation and the United Nations Joint Programme on HIV and AIDS, observed the day by hosting a series of events including a road march and health fair.
The NFPB-SHA, the South East Regional Health Authority, and the Jamaica AIDS Support for Life, collaborated to provide HIV testing at the health fair.
The day began with a free health fair at St William Grant Park in downtown Kingston. Individuals received health services such as HIV tests, syphilis tests, blood pressure checks, family planning and more.
