by Donella Hosten
Despite the inclement weather on Friday, 30 June 2017, Grenadians came out to get tested and know their HIV status at numerous testing sites around the island. This was part of Scotia Bank’s Regional Testing Day initiative which is in its 10th year.
A number of stakeholders and partners including the Grenada Planned Parenthood Association (GPPA), GrenAIDS, and the Ministry of Health collaborated with Scotia Bank to make the event a success.
Passersby were encouraged to get tested and collect information on how to protect themselves and practice safe sex. They were also privy to demonstrations on how to correctly put on and discard of both female and male condoms.
Free counselling was also offered prior to patrons completing their tests, after which they received complimentary packets of a variety of condoms.
According to Relvon Baptiste, VCT Provider at the Ministry of Health, they intend to reach as many persons as possible. He encouraged the public to get tested and know their status. Baptiste also urged persons who were unable to visit the different sites, to go in to their local clinics and health centres and get tested.
Unfortunately, the final number of persons getting tested on Friday has not yet been ascertained. However, according to sources, the figure is more than 300.
Throughout the region, over 20 countries participated in Regional Testing Day activities.
