10 days of education and free HIV rapid testing events are planned by the National HIV & AIDS Response Committee, to raise awareness around World AIDS Day which is recognised worldwide on 1 December 2018.
In Grenada, there are approximately 360 reported persons living with HIV, with a reduction in the rate of new infections for 2018 thus far. Education is the first step towards awareness, therefore, efforts such as closing gaps that persist in access to care, increasing awareness, increasing the number persons who are aware of their status, and increasing access to treatment whilst reducing stigma and discrimination are paramount.
Community sensitization on HIV and other STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections):
| Date | Community | Parish | Time |
| Wed. 28 Nov. | Rose Hill Community Centre | St Patrick | 5 to 7 pm |
| Gun Battle | St John | 4:30 to 6:30 pm | |
| Thurs. 29 Nov. | Boca Secondary School | St George | 4:30 to 6:30 pm |
| Marquis Community Centre | St Andrew | 5 to 7 pm | |
| Fri. 30 Nov. | St Mark Secondary School (Waltham) | St Mark | 4:30 to 6:30 pm |
| Bellevue Community Centre | St. David | 5 to 6:30 pm | |
| Tues. 11 to Fri. 14 Dec | Carriacou Multi-Purpose Centre (Hillsborough) | Carriacou | TBA |
Free HIV Rapid Testing Sites:
| Date | Venue | Time |
| Sat. 1 Dec. | St George’s (between Republic Bank and NIS old bldg) | 11 am to 4 pm |
| Wed. 5 Dec. | Gouyave, St John | TBA |
| Fri. 7 Dec. | Grenville Car Park, St Andrew | 3 to 8 pm |
| Fri. 14 Dec | Carriacou Multi-Purpose Centre, Hillsborough, Carriacou | TBA |
At the end of 2017, it was estimated that approximately 310,000 people were living with HIV in the Caribbean and Latin America. According to recent data from Caricom’s Pan Caribbean Partnership Against HIV/AIDS (PANCAP), there has been an 18% reduction in new HIV infections and a 23% reduction in the number of AIDS-related deaths observed in the Caribbean region. Approximately 1 in every 3 new infections occurs in young people between 15 and 24 years of age.
National HIV & AIDS Response Committee
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