Today is International HIV Testing Day

27.JUNE.08

Today, Friday, June 27th is International HIV Testing Day. St. Vincent and the Grenadines will join with the rest of the world by putting on its own National HIV Testing Day.

HIV testing is a critical component of preventing the incidence of HIV/AIDS. The key goal of HIV Testing Day is to reach those who have never been tested, or who have engaged in high-risk behavior since their last test.{{more}} When people know their HIV status, they can take control of their health and their lives. National HIV Testing Day focuses on “knowing your status,” but also strives to end the fear and stigma associated with HIV testing.

Health centres and facilities throughout St. Vincent and the Grenadines will provide free HIV testing today. Vincentians can go to any health facility today and take use of this opportunity to know their HIV status. In addition, the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Planned Parenthood Association is also operating a Testing site at its headquarters at Frenches Gate in Kingstown. In addition, to the involvement of all health facilities, the National AIDS Secretariat will also be manning all of its designated rapid HIV test sites on June 27. Staff from the NAS and the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital Laboratory will be in place at these centers to provide this service as well.

The National AIDS Secretariat, Ministry of Health and the Environment, is urging employers to support and encourage their employees to get tested for HIV, by giving them some time off this Friday to take

the test.