AIDS Secretariat pleased with Tabernacle turnout
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St. Kitts, February 07, 2011 (SKNIS): Forty-eight residents of Tabernacle and surrounding communities turned out to the first Community Testing Day for 2011 which was held in Tabernacle last Thursday (February 03).
As customary, there was free Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT), where persons were counseled before and, if necessary, after the administration of the test. There was also the distribution of HIV/AIDS literature, along with male and female condom placement demonstrations. Persons who took the test received a free $10 top-up upon their return for their same day test results, complements LIME.
According to Health Educator Lucine Pemberton, the National AIDS Secretariat was delighted that persons in the community recognized the importance of getting tested. She added that her unit offered the service of free VCT on the community level since March 27, 2008.
Ms. Pemberton revealed that this Testing Day had one additional feature in that persons who attended were also offered free blood glucose and blood pressure screening. She explained that this was possible due to the efforts of the Ministry of Health’s District Team which consists nursing attendants and community workers.
The Health Educator took the opportunity to thank all partners involved including the Health District Team, LIME and the Government Laboratory located at the Joseph N. France General Hospital, which is responsible for the Rapid-Delayed HIV Testing which ensures that persons tested receive same-day testing results. She explained that the next Community Testing Day is scheduled for June 2011.