Basseterre, St. Kitts, February 10, 2020 (ZIZ News): The Ministry of Health through the National AIDS Secretariat hosted their first annual Pre-Valentine’s HIV testing event at the Independence Square on Friday.
The Ministry explained the concept behind the event in a message shared with the public earlier this week which states that “love is like a driver’s license” and encouraged everyone to drive safe and protected.
Health Educator at the National AIDS Secretariat, Lucine Pemberton –Vaughn explained that this initiative was organized because Valentine’s Day is one of those times where persons engage in a lot of risky behaviour.
She explained that persons who get their HIV tests done at the square get their “lovers license” which means you’re a “safe lover”.
The process of getting tested began with a quiz on their basic knowledge of HIV/AIDS, where persons were also able to ask questions and share concerns.
In the next step persons are counselled and their paperwork is completed followed by the actual HIV test. In the third step demonstrations are conducted and persons are given packages with condoms and pamphlets. In the final step persons get a stamp on their test results to show that they are a “licensed lover”.
Pemberton-Vaughn explained that this initiative can help to eradicate HIV/AIDS by persons knowing their status and taking the steps to protect themselves and their partner.
Persons are encouraged to get tested every 3 months or once a year with their general health check.
Individuals can get tested at any health center across the Federation. In St. Kitts persons can also visit the JNF General Hospital.