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Acting Health Commissioner Marc A. Jerome announced today that the department's STD/HIV/TB Program will commemorate World Aids Day with a series of activities beginning Wednesday and throughout the month of December.
World AIDS Day is observed December 1 each year and is dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection. AIDS has killed more than 25 million people, with an estimated 38.6 million people living with HIV globally, making it one of the most destructive epidemics in recorded history.
This year’s theme is “Getting to Zero” with a goal of zero new infections in 2012. Dr. Jerome is urging residents to take advantage of free tests during outreach events which will kick-off on Wednesday, November 30, 2011.
Studies have shown that with improved treatment and care, people are now living longer with HIV/AIDS, however, in order to receive such life-saving treatment, individuals must be sure to get tested and then take action if infected.
"Knowing your HIV status is the best way to help win the fight against AIDS, and as Acting Health Commissioner, I urge everyone to take heed of this year's campaign theme, Getting to Zero. It starts with each individual knowing their status,” Dr. Jerome said. “Our clinics are available for free and confidential rapid testing -- anyone taking the test can know their status within minutes.”
Governor John P. de Jongh Jr. has proclaimed Thursday, December 1 as World Aids Day, noting that AIDS is one of the leading causes of death in many parts of the world.
“World AIDS Day is a day to remember those who have been lost to this deadly disease and to give compassion and hope to those who live courageously with HIV/AIDS every day,” de Jongh said. “It is important that we continue to promote HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention in order to help prevent further spread of this disease."
The concept of a World AIDS Day originated at the 1988 World Summit of Ministers of Health on Programmes for AIDS Prevention. Since then, it has been taken up by governments, international organizations and charities around the world.
Dr. Jerome said the Department of Health recently hired Dr. Tai C. Hunte, an infectious disease specialist, to provide fulltime HIV/AIDS services for its STD/HIV/TB Program.
“We are happy to have her on board with this specialty, as this will enable us to continue to be more proactive in HIV/AIDS prevention in the community,” Dr. Jerome said.
WORLD AIDS DAY SCHEDULE
November 30, 2011
3 p.m. to 7 p.m
HIV/AIDS Education/Testing Day
Emancipation Garden, St. Thomas
December 1-30, 2011
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Display Exhibit, STD/HIV/TB Clinic
Knud Hansen Complex, St. Thomas
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Display Exhibit, Lobby
Charles Harwood Medical Complex, St. Croix
December 1, 2011
8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
HIV/AIDS Education Day (Wear Red)
Knud Hansen Complex, St. Thomas
8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
HIV/AIDS Education Day (Wear Red)
Charles Harwood Complex, St. Croix
December 13, 2011
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
HIV/AIDS Education Outreach
Westin Hotel, St. John
December 16, 2011
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
HIV/AIDS Education Outreach
VI Legislature and Austin Babe Monsanto Marine Terminal (Crown Bay Center)
December 17, 2011
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Education Outreach
Unity Sports Day/Griffith Park |
