Dominica will join the rest of the world in its observance of World AIDS Day today Thursday 1st December

​Today Thursday December 1st, 2016 is World AIDS Day, and Dominica will join the rest of the world in its observance under the theme “Take the Challenge – End AIDS” and “Hands up for HIV Prevention”.
 
The National HIV and AIDS Programme, together with its partners, have been involved in the “Hands up for HIV Prevention” campaign where we are inviting the public to write a word or phrase on their palm which says how we can improve our prevention efforts, take a photo of this message and post on social media. We are encouraging anyone participating to use the hashtag #767HIVprevention.
 
This campaign will climax on World AIDS Day with a health fair at the parking lot of the Dominica Planned Parenthood Association (DPPA). We will be offering HIV testing and counselling, pap smears, educational talks, HIV trivia and an opportunity to discuss how persons can better protect their sexual health.

Communications Officer at the Bureau of Gender Affairs, Arlene Gregoire, says the turnout today in terms of the number of persons getting tested and receiving counselling was impressive.

​Meanwhile, she says a 'Hands Up for HIV Prevention campaign' got a lot of attention from the Dominican public today.