Health Sector Invited To HIV Capacity Building Sessions
The National AIDS Programme of the Ministry of Health and Social Development, in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organisation HIV Caribbean Office (PHCO), will be hosting two one-day sessions on Provider Initiated HIV Counselling and Testing on Wednesday, November 21 and Thursday, November 22 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The sessions will take place on Tortola in the Training Division Conference Room located on the first floor of the Betteto Frett Building, next to Banco Popular.
Speaking with the Department of Information and Public Relations, National AIDS Programme Coordinator, Mrs. Noelene Levons Clarke stated, “Provider Initiated Testing and Counselling is a key strategy where individuals accessing health care services are offered an HIV test which allows clients to know their HIV status, and to be referred to the appropriate services for care and treatment if identified as HIV positive.”
Mrs. Clarke added, “The test also facilitates risk-reduction counselling for those at risk. Provider Initiated Testing and Counselling is voluntary and incorporates the informed right of the client to decline the recommendation of an HIV test.” The National AIDS Programme Coordinator noted that the recommendation for testing should be a fundamental part of health care provision in the Territory.”
The Coordinator also explained the benefits of the strategy. “At a community level, a greater knowledge of HIV prevention and treatment interventions can lead to a reduction in denial, stigma and discrimination. Furthermore, at a national level, knowledge of trends in the spread and treatment of HIV can influence the policy environment to support the introduction and expansion of appropriate HIV interventions and programmes,” said Mrs. Clarke.
Following the training the National AIDS Programme anticipates that every visit to a health provider will present an opportunity for clients to discuss the subject of HIV screening, without waiting for symptoms which may occur in acute HIV or AIDS. Lunch and tickets for return travel by ferry will be provided for health providers based on the sister islands. For registration and more information on Provider Initiated HIV Counselling and Testing training, physicians and nurses are asked to telephone the National AIDS Programme at 468-4371, 468-5146, 468-2260 or via email at nclarke@gov.vg or kjeffers@gov.vg.
The National AIDS Programme in the Ministry of Health and Social Development functions as the HIV/AIDS focal point for the Virgin Islands and collaborates with local, regional and international agencies to mitigate the socio-economic impacts of HIV/AIDS.
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