To commemorate those who have passed away from HIV/AIDS, the Communicable Disease Unit (CDU) celebrated World’s AIDS Day last week Friday at the Health Information Resource Center (HIRC) located in Medalaii from 9am to 3pm.
This year’s theme was “Ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic community by community.” This event was open to the public and completely free of charge. Staff from the Ministry of Health (MOH) checked for various sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV/AIDS, hepatitis b and c, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. All of these diseases can be cured with medication, except for HIV/AIDS. However, HIV/AIDS can be controlled if a person takes the proper medication required.
After the consultation, participants completed a short survey and left with goodie bags full of various items such as condoms, airtime, hand sanitizers, and more. More than 30 people came out to the event to check their statuses. CDU encourages the public to know their statuses so, if required, they can take cautionary measures to ensure a person’s safety as well as their partner’s.
If you would like more information about HIV/AIDS or other communicable diseases, you may call the Health Information Resource Center at (tel): 488-1757 or 488-6500. (Telbakes Yano)