Advocating for Access, Awareness, and Ending Stigma
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS – In observance of World AIDS Day, the VI Department of Health’s Communicable Diseases Division and Frederiksted Health Care Inc.’s Division of Social and Community Program reaffirm its commitment to advancing health equity.
Together, the department and health center have organized a World AIDS Day “Week of Celebration” to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS, to educate the public about access to care, and to work to end the stigma that surrounds these conditions.
“World AIDS Day is a reminder that we must continue the fight against HIV/AIDS with compassion and determination,” said Justa Encarnacion, VI Health Commissioner. “Healthcare is a right, not a privilege, and we are committed to ensuring everyone has access to the care and resources they need, while also addressing the stigma that so often creates barriers to health and well-being.”
This year’s theme, “Take the Rights Path: My Health, My Right,” underscores the critical importance of recognizing healthcare as a fundamental human right.
“Even though there have been advancements in treatment and prevention, barriers to care and social stigma remain challenges for many living with or at risk for HIV/AIDS in the Virgin Islands and beyond,” said Jason J. Henry, Director of the Communicable Diseases Division for the VI Department of Health.
In 2023, fifteen new HIV cases were identified, increasing the total number of HIV/AIDS cases diagnosed in the US Virgin Islands to 1,426, according to VI Department of Health statistics.
The department’s campaign, “340 Getting to Zero,” is aimed at ending the HIV epidemic in the Virgin Islands. To get the territory to zero new infections, the division has implemented programs like PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis, to help prevent individuals from acquiring or transmitting HIV. PrEP is highly effective at reducing the risk of HIV infection when taken as directed. It is a medication that people at risk for HIV take to prevent contracting the virus through sexual activity or injection drug use.
The VI Department of Health and Frederiksted Health Care Inc. are calling on individuals and organizations to take action by:
– Getting tested which is key to early diagnosis and treatment.
– Spreading awareness to helps reduce stigma and misconceptions about HIV/AIDS.
– Supporting prevention by promoting access to preventive tools like PrEP and condoms.
“As a community, we can work together toward to end the HIV/AIDS stigma and create a space where everyone can achieve their full potential in health and life,” said Masserae Webster, Chief Executive Officer for the Frederiksted Health Care.
The community, including the faith-based, is also invited and encouraged to participate in and to promote the following events and activities:
– Sunday, Dec. 1st, Church Prayer of Remembrance
– 3 p.m. – 7 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 4th, STI/HIV Testing Day, The Market at Tutu Park, St. Thomas.
– 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 5th, “Women Speak Out” Theatrical Experience, Dorsche Center on Strand Street, Frederiksted, St. Croix.
– 5 p.m. – 10 p.m., Friday, Dec. 6th, Youth Outreach Testing, Caribbean Cinemas, St. Croix.
– 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 7th, STI/HIV Biomedical and Harm Reduction Symposium, University of the Virgin Islands’ Innovation Center.
For resources on STI/HIV testing, treatment, and prevention, please visit the VI Department of Health’s Communicable Disease Division located on the second floor of the former Caribe Home Center at Estate Castle Coakley, or the Frederiksted Health Care Inc at Strand Street, on St. Croix.
On St. Thomas, visit the Communicable Diseases Division at the Community Health Clinic at the RLS Hospital.
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