Nineteen new cases of HIV recorded in SVG

At the end of April, 19 new cases of HIV were registered in St.Vincent and the Grenadines.

This was disclosed by Dr.Del Hamilton, Director of the National AIDS Secretariat.{{more}}

Dr.Hamilton stated that several Vincentians have been able to determine their HIV status through voluntary counselling and testing, which she believes is quite effective in preventing the spread of the disease. She said testing is also important in early access to treatment, care and support.

“There are a number of benefits to be derived from persons knowing their HIV status. If the person is positive he or she can seek medical attention early to maintain his or her quality of life at an optimal level.If the person is negative he or she can begin to practise safe sex if the person has not been practising safe sex before,” said Hamilton.

She explained that there are benefits for the country on a whole. The data that are derived from testing and knowing the amount of persons who are negative or positive assists the state in planning for the future health needs of the nation. For example, the procuring of medication and other medical supplies is a significant benefit from having the data, Hamilton said.

She disclosed that approximately 8, 000 Vincentians are tested for HIV each year. However, in terms of voluntary testing the records show that over 2, 000 Vincentians participate in this type of testing annually.

Meanwhile, a three day testing programme done on June 24, 25, and 28, has been hailed a success.

The initiative was staged by the National Aids Secretariat (NAS) in conjunction with Scotia Bank and the National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC).

Claudette Laidlow-Williams, Chief Laboratory Technologist at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, in an interview with SEARCHLIGHT last Friday afternoon, disclosed that close to 50 persons had been screened outside a station set up outside Scotia Bank.

“I would say to the public, it’s better to know your status and to know it early, because there are a number of services available for persons. If you test positive it’s better to know early so it can be properly managed. People live fairly long and productive lives even though they are HIV positive,” said Laidlow-Williams.

She, however, warned that if people wait until they are sick, with an immune system that has been deterioated, it will be more difficult to treat the disease.

Laidlow-Williams disclosed that earlier on Friday a 90-year-old man had his test done.

She stated that he was discouraged from taking the test by members of the public who saw him making his way to the unit.

Alric Skeritt, Co-ordinator for the Voluntary Counselling Testing Programme at NAS, noted that tests were carried out at Sandy Bay, Greiggs, Calliaqua, Barrouallie, Georgetown, Evesham, Mesopotamia, and Park Hill.

“We trust that people will continue to get tested. I want to advise the public to continue checking their status and to encourage their partner. Normally we see one partner coming and get tested, but your result is not your partner’s,” said Skeritt.