Reprinted from Caribbean Net News
caribbeannetnews.com

BVI to observe World AIDS Day
12-01-2006

ROAD TOWN, BVI: The British Virgin Islands will join the world in observing World AIDS Day on Friday.

As one of the planned activities to mark the day, the Government, through the Ministry of Health and Social Development, will offer free AIDS testing and counseling to the public.

National AIDS Coordinator Dr Ronald McAnaney says the healthy choice is to know your HIV status.

"The treatment for HIV now allows an individual to live a long, normal, active life, but you have to know now in order to begin treatment. The key for your health, your partner’s health and those around you is early detection. We hope that many will take advantage of the free testing and counseling to be offered this Friday," Dr McAnaney said.

This year’s observance under the theme, "Stop AIDS…Keep the Promise", is part of a year-long effort to lift the profile of the fight against AIDS to a higher level.

The HIV/AIDS epidemic has impacted every country and territory throughout the world. More than 22 million people have died from AIDS since the disease was first identified. Today, there are more than 42 million people living with HIV/AIDS. Approximately 40 million are adults and more than three million are children under the age of 15.

Every day, there are 14,000 new infections reported to health authorities throughout the world.

Currently, there are 55 persons confirmed to be living with HIV in the BVI. The ages of these infected persons are from 19 - 66 years, with more women infected than men. Two of these women are pregnant.

Dr McAnaney says even with the seemingly low numbers in the BVI, there is reason for concern.

"We need to be concerned because our HIV/AIDS infection rates are increasing and, this could have a negative social and economic impact on our future development," he said.

The local Red Cross will also be holding a march and rally on Friday to observe the occasion.