The Ministry of Health and Wellness through the Saint Lucia Community Nursing Service, undertook a community health outreach program in Aux Lyon, Dennery on Feb. 25.
Interested persons from the community were given an opportunity to know their health status by receiving a rapid HIV test.
Health Educator Mervyn Charles explained the importance of conducting the test.
“In 15 to 20 minutes, one can get to know their status and there is value in this effort. If one gets to know their sexual and reproductive health status one is able to make mature decisions, one is able to be responsible and show some level of accountability to themselves, to their partners and to their families. It means therefore if one is likely to have a Rapid HIV Test one is more likely to do other tests like the prostate test, like the Pap-smear test, like the high blood pressure, so it is connected. If one happens to want to get to know their status, there is a high likelihood that other aspects of health, the holistic aspect can be improved.”
Aux Lyon community member, Lindel Evans, embraced the initiative.
“You feel a lot better knowing that you are HIV free. Some guys say that they rather not know. But this is now accessible to us, and it is important to make use of the opportunity.”
The Rapid HIV Test is a free service and confidentiality continues to be assured.
Community Health Outreach is just one of many strategies that the Ministry of Health has implemented to help eradicate HIV/AIDS by 2030 under the UNAIDS umbrella.
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