On December 1st, the North West Regional Health Authority joined the country and the world in celebrating World AIDS Day 2017 with the theme “My Health, My Right”. This year’s theme highlighted the challenges faced by persons living with HIV/AIDS with regards to eliminating the stigma and discrimination which inhibits persons from accessing the available testing and treatment services.
It is this common purpose that motivated the collaborative efforts of the National AIDS Coordinating Committee (NACC), the Ministry of Health and the North West Regional Health Authority to bring to fruition a red portal of amplified, whole day HIV/AIDS public awareness in commemoration of World AIDS Day. These activities commenced at the International Waterfront Complex and continued on the Brian Lara Promenade.
The day’s events began with the formation of a human ribbon and included whole day HIV/AIDS testing, an awareness march from the waterfront to the Brain Lara Promenade, speeches from the Honourable Terrence Deyalsingh, Minister of Health and the Honourable Ayanna Webster-Roy, Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister, a health fair offering basic screening and educational literature/information to members of the public, interviews, and culminated with various entertainment pieces.
It is the general consensus that the day’s amplified approach to HIV/AIDS awareness gave a much required thrust towards creating an HIV-free generation.
HIV/AIDS remains a priority at a national level and to this extent the NWRHA is committed in its efforts of creating an enabling environment that educates, cares and provides continuous testing and treatment opportunities in the support all persons. The 2030 target of getting to zero – zero new infections, zero AIDS related deaths and zero discrimination is in plain sight and the NWRHA is on board in the fight to achieve this sustainable goal.
Volunteers prepare to form the ribbon to commemoratecommemorate… World AIDS Day at the International Waterfront
Minister Terrence Deyalsingh, Minister Ayanna Webster Roy and Dr. Sebro decked in red and all smiles at the beginning of the World AIDS Day activities on the Waterfront
Minister Terrence Deyalsingh and Minister Ayanna Webster Roy stroll along the promenade
Minister Terrence Deyalsingh and Minister Ayanna Webster Roy prepare to get tested by a NWRHA tester
Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister addresses the gathering on the promenade on World AIDS Day
Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister addresses the gathering on the promenade on World AIDS Day
Sheldon Mason, Peer Counsellor from NWRHA’s RAPPORT interacts with the public as they participate in the various basic screening opportunities
NWRHA’s RAPPORT booth display
A member of the public receives crucial HIV/AIDS information as Minister Ayanna Webster-Roy observes
