Love/Romance With Caution & National Condom Month

Providenciales, TCI, February 14, 2017 – The fight against HIV/AIDS in particular and other sexually transmitted infections has been a major priority for this sub- Region and has been a significant subject with much discussion and debate nationally, regionally and globally. This month is love with caution and our national condom month. We invite sexually active persons to take charge of their sexual health and to be true to themselves.

Condoms, both male and female, are currently the ONLY available and MOST effective technology to prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. It also protects against unintended pregnancies among sexually active people.  The search for new preventative technologies such as, HIV vaccines and microbicides continues to make progress but CONDOMS will remain the KEY preventative tool for many years to come.  Mrs. Robinson Director of Health Promotion and Advocacy Unit stated that; “We ensure that there is a ready and accessible supply of condoms because it is one of the Units key strategies in the prevention of HIV and other STI’s.”

The female condom is a powerful tool for triple protection.  It is a technology currently available that enables men and women to prevent themselves simultaneously from unintended pregnancy, HIV and other STIs.   Access and use of the female condoms gives women more control over their bodies and reproductive health.  It offers a life-saving option and helps reduce unprotected sexual activity.

One must also know their HIV status, the Minister of Health, Agriculture and Human Services voiced his concern about not enough persons within our communities testing for HIV and it is critical as a country that we understand the importance of doing so.

Hon. Astwood further stated; “Testing is one of our priority strategic objectives to ensure that persons living within the TCI know their status.”  “In a quest to reach this objective the program on an annual basis conducts Mobile HIV testing during the LOVE month under the theme “Romance with Caution.” 

Mobile HIV testing will take place on February 14th on Grand Turk and Providenciales between 9am and 4pm.  Getting to Zero new infections and Zero deaths require us all to take action, Mrs. Robinson urge person to take charge of their  lives.  These are defining moments we can no longer bury our heads in the sand saying we don’t want to know our status with respect to HIV because, we need to know stated Robinson as she made a clarion call to action.

Finally remember that drugs and alcohol can impair your judgment so be careful, you may forget to use a condom. Therefore, during this special month of LOVE remember to use a condom every time – LOVE WITH CAUTION.  For more information contact the Health Promotion and Advocacy Unit on 3382772.