Dominica joined the rest of the world on Thursday in the observance of World AIDS Day.
As part of the local observance, the Dominica Planned Parenthood Association and the National HIV/AIDS Response Unit collaborated to host free counselling, HIV/AIDS testing and Pap smear.
GIS news visited the parking lot of the Planned Parenthood office in Roseau on Thursday where a mini health fair was being hosted.
Executive Director of the Dominica Planned Parenthood Association, Marilyn Richards, told GIS news about the day’s activities.
“We are trying to raise awareness not just for HIV but for the other STI’s. [We want people to] protect themselves and so we are doing hands up for HIV this time around. We are also advising persons, even if you are on contraceptives, do dual protection because condoms protect you from STI’s.”
The world is embarking on a fast-track strategy to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030. To reach this visionary goal after three decades of the most serious epidemic in living memory, countries will need to use the powerful tools available, hold one another accountable for results and make sure that no one is left behind.