A series of activities beginning Sunday will commemorate World Aids Day in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
World AIDS Day is dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic and is observed annually on Dec. 1, according to a news release from the V.I. Department of Health. This year’s theme is “To Bring New Infections to Zero,” setting a goal of no new infections in the territory in the coming year.
According to Health’s 2011 HIV Surveillance Report, the number of people living with HIV infection in the Virgin Islands increased by 18 percent over a three-year period from 2008-2011. The Surveillance Report said at the end of 2011, about 579 adults, teens and children were living with the HIV infection. National statistics show that more than 39.5 million people are infected with HIV/AIDS worldwide, including 2.5 million children.
Since HIV/AIDS was first diagnosed in 1981, more than 20 million deaths have been linked to the disease.
Health Commissioner-Designee Darice Plaskett urged residents to take advantage of free testing at DOH clinics territorywide and to participate in events beginning with a day of prayer Sunday.
“Studies have shown that with improved treatment and care, people are now living longer with HIV/AIDS,” Plaskett said. “However, in order to receive such life-saving treatment, individuals must be sure to get tested and then take action if infected.”
Plaskett said the best way to help overcome AIDS starts with every individual knowing his or her status.
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.
“It is a day to remember those who have been lost to this deadly disease and give compassion and hope to those who live courageously with HIV/AIDS every day,” said Gov. John deJongh Jr.
Plaskett, in urging residents to take advantage of free testing, said DOH clinics are available for free and confidential rapid testing from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. Anyone taking the test can know his or her status within minutes, she said.
In addition to this weekend’s events other commemoration activities include educational presentations at area schools, a community march and candle light vigil and a day-long conference on Dec. 4 entitled “Putting the Pieces of Providing Comprehensive Care Together for People Living with HIV/AIDS.”
The schedule of activities is as follows:
• Sunday – 7:45 a.m. at the Bethel Missionary Baptist, Smith Bay, St. Thomas. Day of prayer for persons/families living with HIV/AIDS. 7:45 a.m. AIDS Awareness pins will be distributed
• Monday – 11:20 a.m. at Charlotte Amalie High School, St. Thomas. HIV/AIDS Awareness/Education/Q&A.
• Tuesday – 1:20 p.m., Ivanna Eudora Kean High School, St. Thomas. HIV/AIDS Awareness/ Education/Q&A.
• Wednesday – 10:30 a.m., Positive Connections Alternative School, St. Croix. HIV/AIDS Awareness/ Education/Q&A.
Noon – Mid-week Service of Remembrance at Frederick Evangelical Lutheran Church, St. Thomas. AIDS Awareness pins will be distributed.
• Thursday – 10:05 a.m., Julius Sprauve School, St. John. HIV/AIDS Awareness/Information//Education/Q&A.
• Friday – 6 p.m. to midnight, Market Square Cinemas, St. Thomas. The St. Thomas movie theater will feature education outreach with an onscreen, pop-up Q&A.
Saturday, Dec. 1. – World AIDS Day. People marking the day are urged to wear red.
10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tutu Park Mall. Awareness and education exhibit.
5 p.m., Community march and remembrance candlelight vigil, beginning at the Central Seventh Day Adventist Church is Estate Plessen, St. Croix
Tuesday, Dec. – 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., University of the Virgin Islands Video Conference Center on both St, Thomas and St. Croix. Conference “Putting the Pieces of Providing Comprehensive Care Together for People Living with HIV/AIDS.”
Further information available online at www.healthvi.org.
