Get Tested! Community Urged

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BVI Platinum News
Persons getting tested during a drive in June, 2014

(PLTM) - Persons of the community are being urged to get tested for the dreadful HIV/Aids, in light of two persons who recently tested positive in the Territory.

Information disclosed by Chief Nursing Officer with responsibility for Family Health, Ms. Jascinth Hannibal, revealed that two new cases have been reported. Both cases were both noted to be young persons.

Ms. Hannibal is encouraging persons of the community to get tested in order to be aware of their status, be it negative or positive.

“Everybody should know their status...The unit will concentrate its efforts on more outreach to young persons.”

She also noted that four persons were reported to the unit last year, 2016.

Ms. Hannibal is further encouraging persons in the community to abstain until marriage, or to remain with one sexual partner, in effort of not contracting the disease.

“We want to push abstinence and if they cannot be abstinent, we want them to stick to one faithful partner and use a condom every time, consistently and correctly, with every sexual experience.”

She highlighted that there are many circumstances that increase the vulnerability of young persons acquiring HIV/Aids.

“Young persons are sometimes pressured into having sex before they are ready, as a survey completed in 2009 showed that most people’s first sexual experience was not consensual. Lack of knowledge, incorrect information and the inability to make good choices were also factors.”

Ms. Hannibal noted that in cases with both male and female, their first experience was usually with someone older than they were.

She also spoke to persons having unprotected sex with an unknown person, adding that the use of alcohol, marijuana and other drugs can alter a person’s mind and capacity to think clearly, therefore putting them at increased risk.

She used the opportunity to encourage persons to take advantage of free testing on June 29, which is the official Caribbean Regional Testing Day. Free testing is offered at the Family Health Unit located on the second floor of the Betitto Frett Building, next to Banco Popular.

“Everybody should get tested at least once if they are between the ages of 15 and 65. Everybody should know their status, so if you have never been tested before in your life, this is your opportunity to get tested for free. Make 2017 the year that you know your status.”

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