The public is invited to Scotiabank/St. Maarten AIDS Foundation Stronger Together Red Ribbon Campaign annual free HIV testing exercise set for Sunday, November 28 from 10:00am to 3:00pm at Scotiabank Philipsburg.
President of the foundation, Dr. Gerard van Osch said people should not miss this opportunity to ‘know your status’. "Knowing the status reassures you that you are not infected with HIV and strengthens your commitment to stay safe."
He said receiving the result give a new opportunity to renew dialogue with your partner about safer sex practices. "And of course early detection of HIV help keep those infected healthy for a longer period of time. Very effective treatment (not a cure) is available on St. Maarten, so indeed knowing your status is important to staying healthy," van Osch said.
The testing is free, anonymous and confidential. Only numbers are used to match the results, at no point names are use and this allows for a high level confidentiality, the doctor said. A short pre-test counselling session helps to give advice on safer sex practices as well as determining if or when people should repeat a test.
Scotiabank Country Manager Elie Bendaly said the bank is pleased to be involved with the community testing day and he encourages everyone to get tested. He reminds the general public that the Stronger Together Red Ribbon Campaign is still in full swing. He urges everyone to contribute by buying a raffle ticket for a 2011 Chevrolet Spark, participating in the online auction of paintings by Sir Roland Richardson via http://www.idonatetocharity.org/store/sxmcharity/ or by simply making a donation to the campaign using the campaign’s red ribbons that are available at Scotiabank locations.
Bendaly said the testing days and the foundation’s many projects are made possible by donations to the Stronger Together Red Ribbon Campaign. He said by contributing to the campaign persons are making a valuable input to very important community initiatives to fight HIV/AIDS.