Approximately 643 People Are Living With HIV In USVI, D.O.H. Says; World Aids Day Vigil And Memorial March Happens Friday

ST. CROIX — In recognition of World Aids Day, the Immunization Division of the Virgin Islands Department of Health (D.O.H.) and the Frederiksted Health Center will be hosting events on Friday, according to a release D.O.H. issued Wednesday.

World AIDS Day, designated on 1 December every year since 1988, is dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection, and mourning those who have died of the disease.

Events include an HIV/AIDs health awareness fair at the old municipal hospital in St. Thomas from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.; a memorial march and vigil in Frederiksted from 5:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (event begins at the fish market); and a “Life in the Time of HIV” performance at the Dorch Center across from Turtles Deli in Frederiksted from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Globally, there are an estimated 36.7 million people who have the virus. Despite the AIDS virus only being identified in 1984, more than 35 million people have died of HIV or AIDS, making it one of the most destructive pandemics in history.

In the U.S. Virgin Islands, approximately 643 people are living with HIV, D.O.H. said. The department added that many have died from AIDS, which marks the final stage of living with HIV without effective treatment. The epidemic has had significant impact on the Caribbean region and globally. As of 2016, there were 310,000 people living with HIV in the Caribbean and globally there are 36.7 million people, D.O.H. said. In 2016 alone, there were an estimated 18,000 new HIV infections in the Caribbean region and 1.8 million globally.

Today, scientific advances have been made in HIV treatment, there are laws to protect people living with HIV and we understand so much more about the condition. In fact, living with HIV is now considered a chronic condition, like diabetes. Treatment can keep someone healthy and can effectively reduce the risk of transmission to zero. Despite this, each year many people are diagnosed with HIV, confirming that there is still much work to be done locally and globally as people still do not know the facts about how to protect themselves and others from HIV.

On this very important day, The US Virgin Island Department of Health (DOH) and Frederiksted Health Care, Inc., (FHC) joins forces to encourage all Virgin Islanders to learn the facts about HIV/AIDS, know their HIV status by getting tested and get involved in raising awareness about HIV prevention within your community. WE look forward to your participation and support on this very important day.

The DOH and FHC encourages the public to get tested and know your status.

Feature Image: Dept. of Health Commish Michelle Davis and Gov. Kenneth Mapp joined residents for a World AIDS Day candlelight vigil through Christiansted in 2016 (Credit: Ernice Gilbert, VIC)