Jamaica commemorates World AIDS Day
Published:Monday | December 1, 2008 | 8:04 AM
Today, Jamaica joins the rest of the world in commemorating World AIDS Day under the theme ‘Youth: Take the Lead’.
In Jamaica, the campaign targets young people ages 15 to 24, beckoning them to become advocates and agents of change.
Senior Medical Officer of the National HIV/STI Control programme, Dr Kevin Harvey, says the focus is timely as young people are extremely vulnerable to HIV/AIDS.
Dr Harvey points out that HIV/AIDS is still the second leading cause of death for persons 15 to 24 years old.
He stresses the importance of fostering good morals and values among the youths to prevent an involvement in risky lifestyle practices.
To commemorate World Aids Day 2008, the Ministry of Health through the HIV/STI Control programme will be disclosing the HIV/STI statistics at a press briefing set for today.
A World Aids Day exposition to include free voluntary counselling and a testing service using the rapid HIV test will also be a major feature of today’s commemoration.