June Designated As HIV/AIDS Awareness Month
The Department of Health is once again this year focusing on the theme “Sexual Health: Have the Conversation.”
Senior Medical Officer at the Department of Health, Dr. Cheryl Peek-Ball, noted today that the Department of Health continues to urge the community to talk about sexual health.
Dr. Peek-Ball also noted statistics that indicate there are over 250 persons living with HIV/AIDS on the island. She observed that there are individuals who are infected who do not know their status.
There were 11 new cases of HIV and six cases of AIDS reported last year.
She reiterated that parents should talk with their children about sexual health; health care professionals should have the conversation with their patients; and all sexually active individuals should discuss their sexual health with their partners.
The Department of Health is sponsoring a number of activities throughout the month, aimed at encouraging the island’s residents to have the conversation about their sexual health.
Further, Dr Peek-Ball confirmed that early diagnosis helps prevent the spread of HIV and allows individuals to better maintain their health.
Confidential HIV screening and counselling will be available at the Communicable Disease Control Clinic at the Hamilton Health Centre on June 27 from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. For more information regarding sexual health services, call 278-6442.
Cool.
This kind of falls in line with Obama declaring that June is Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month.
“Obama noted his administration’s efforts to prevent bullying, especially of gay people, and to raise awareness of the HIV/AIDS virus within LGBT circles.” (source: http://j.mp/kMW3Be)