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Press Release From Independent Source

2 new cases of HIV reported in VI

Two new cases of HIV have been reported for the year in the Virgin Islands. Photo: Internet Source
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Residents of the Virgin Islands are being urged to consider whether they are positive or negative as two new cases of HIV have been reported for the year.

Chief Nursing Officer with responsibility for family health, Ms Jascinth Hannibal said the two new cases reported are both young persons. She said four cases were reported last year and her unit will concentrate its efforts on more outreach to young persons.

Ms Hannibal added, “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.”

The Chief Nursing Officer noted that there are many circumstances that increase the vulnerability of young persons to acquiring HIV. She said 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. She said that in both male and female cases it was usually with someone older than they were.   She also noted that a lack of knowledge, incorrect information and the inability to make good choices were also factors.

Ms Hannibal further stated that having unprotected sex with an unknown person, the use of alcohol, marijuana and other drugs can alter a person’s mind and capacity to think clearly therefore putting themself at increased risk.

Ms Hannibal further added that Caribbean Regional Testing Day will be held on June 29, 2017 and residents will get opportunities to get tested and know their status. Free testing is also offered at the Family Health Unit located on the second floor of the Betitto Frett Building next to Banco Popular. 

Residents are asked to note that free testing will be done at the following dates and time: Friday, June 23, 2017 at Pussers in West End between 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM; Thursday, June 29 at Scotia Bank located in the Valley, Virgin Gorda from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM; Friday, June 30 testing continues at the Fisherman’s Jamboree at Beef Island between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM and on Anegada at the Backyard from 8:00 PM; and Friday, July 7 at the BVI Health Services Authority’s Job and Career Fair at the Catholic Community Centre from 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM.

“Everybody should get tested at least once if they are between the ages of 15 and 65”, Ms Hannibal said, adding, “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.”

Caribbean Regional Testing Day’s objective is to heighten public awareness on the critical importance of voluntary counseling and testing in preventing the spread of HIV infection and to mobilise the population to access HIV testing. It also serves to provide a unique opportunity to advance universal access to prevention services in the Virgin Islands.

15 Responses to “2 new cases of HIV reported in VI”

  • rattie (21/06/2017, 14:13) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    Fox rat
    • jj (21/06/2017, 20:32) Like (0) Dislike (3) Reply
      Maybe it's all just a case of sloppy carpentry on their part. That will teach them to take shortcuts.
  • creeeeeps (21/06/2017, 15:39) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    yo me a keep me woodchangle in me pants me an palmer alone dread
  • SHAME (21/06/2017, 15:46) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Wow, no comments
  • Sheena (21/06/2017, 16:00) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is a great idea of having free HIV test. I pray and hope that everyone both young and old, will take the intinitive and get tested. A lot of us Caribbean people, tend to have this stigma about certain issues such as "being gay, having cancer,HIV, Rape,Incest, Mental Health",we as Caribbean people find Taboo in this day and age. It is not, we have to open our minds, hearts and understand that we have to find a way to bring awareness to these subjects to our people. -Sheena
    • Nasty (22/06/2017, 09:10) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      There should always be a stima towards incest, as it as TOTALLY TOTALLY unacceptable. Children are usually the victims. Therefore, we have to address it ye s, but have a zero tolerance for it.
  • Political Observer (PO) (21/06/2017, 17:26) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
    HIV is a life changing ailment. Do not let a few minutes of pleasure now ruin your future years. To reduce the probability of getting infected, practice abstinence, stay monogamous and wrap it up (use a condom). In a small community, the probability of spreading the disease is higher. Ladies ensure your partners wrap it up if you have doubts. You cannot look at a partner and determine if they are infected. HIV is a life long unwanted companion. Be safe.
  • k smith (21/06/2017, 17:45) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
    Close down the brothels and meat houses
    • @k smith (22/06/2017, 05:33) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply
      Them in the brothels get tested more often than the average person as part of their job requirements.
      • SHAME (25/06/2017, 14:03) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Perhaps you don't see the bigger picture. Whether or not the people working in these paces of ill repute have disease or not, these filthy places which somehow have become both popular and acceptable, encourage loose morals, easy sexual gratification and a society where sex is seen as commonplace as going on a date with a new person. For a place which 'claims' to be God fearing, there are way too many of these places. Grown people cannot even find somewhere decent to lime or party. The government (both parties) and the police also pretend it is not happening. After you do you and/or your husband spends your evening there you will rush home to dress nicely for church. And then you talk about not wanting decent people to enter the island seeking employment, but it seems like these prostitutes are not turned away at the boarders at all. Hypocrisy?
  • jah (22/06/2017, 08:58) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Young girls off my list as in 18 to 28 wow creepy.
  • trrefdrfds (22/06/2017, 09:58) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Alot of them spanish have it to need to get them tested nobody saying anything about them woman in the bars looking good but extremly poisinous and secretly infected we need to se the truth free and protect our people just looking out for my country
  • @Pointhill (22/06/2017, 15:46) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Im shame to say it but i got herpys from spanish girl working in a bar even tho i treat her good give here everything she frige me up with this now soon we will.stop.all of these with sickeness coming to our country, brothers and sisters protect yourself i was to stupid dont be like me
  • where? (22/06/2017, 22:54) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Where is backyard in Anegada located???? Some newscarrier hours??? :)
  • Yep (23/06/2017, 20:51) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Boy truth yu right with that one boy them.spanish going on rude with them sickeness and nobody talking about it


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