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Human Red Ribbon to Mark World AIDS Day

Human Red Ribbon to Mark World AIDS Day

(Scarborough, Tobago – November 28 th, 2017): Members of the public are invited to join the Tobago Regional Health Authority (TRHA) in the formation of a “Human Red Ribbon” on December 1st , World AIDS Day (WAD). The red ribbon is a powerful, visual representation of solidarity and support for individuals who are living with HIV/AIDS and their families, as well as to challenge stigma and discrimination surrounding AIDS.

Participants are encouraged to gather at the Shaw Park Cultural Complex at 7:00 a.m. wearing red tops for a drone photography session, after which there will be a walk to Market Square. An Advanced Medical Post will be set-up at that location for the purpose of HIV Testing, counselling and other health education sessions. These activities will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

On December 1 st , the TRHA will also partner with the County Medical Officer of Health (CMOH) to set up a testing site at the Tobago Prison for Prison Officers and Inmates where health screening, including HIV and TB testing and counselling, will be conducted.

Acting General Manager Primary Care Services, Dr. Randy Thomas, applauded the willingness of the Prison Officers to participate in this activity, “It is heartening to see the Tobago Prison Officers leading by example and spreading the message of the importance of getting tested and knowing your status. I am confident that other organizations will follow in their footsteps because, as a Nation, we have a collective responsibility to tackle stigmatization and discrimination and to break down barriers surrounding health in general, and HIV/AIDs in particular” said Dr Thomas.

HIV testing will also be the focus at the Scarborough, Canaan and Roxborough Health Centres from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on December 1st . Testing will continue from December 4th to 8th at the Scarborough Health Centre from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and at Canaan and Roxborough from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This activity will be accompanied by health lectures from the TRHA Dental, Nutrition and Mental Health Units at all three locations. Health Education Sessions at the Outpatient Clinic of the Scarborough General Hospital (SGH) on December 6th will also form part of WAD activities.