Month Of Love Sparks Intensified HIV And STI Awareness Efforts

(MENAFN- Caribbean News Global) KINGSTOWN, St Vincent – During February's month of love, United Nations (UN) agencies in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, together with the government and local non-governmental organisations (NGOs), have launched intensified efforts to raise public awareness of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and promote safer sexual practices across communities.

Recognising that February's celebration of love often coincides with increased sexual activity, the UN team in collaboration with partners from the Network of NGOs and the ministry of health, wellness, environmental health and energy, used this period to amplify education, encourage testing, and reinforce prevention messaging in support of national health goals.

The coordinated effort combined school-based engagement with community outreach to ensure that accurate information and essential services reach both young people and the wider public.

More than forty students gleaned current information on STI risks and symptoms, prevention strategies, and safer sexual practices, during an interactive sensitisation session at the Campden Park Technical Institute. They also accessed testing, treatment, and support services available through the ministry's health security unit.

Community-level outreach was further strengthened through a health fair in Mesopotamia, held under the theme “Know. Act. Support.” The residents, who welcomed the initiative, benefitted from talks on STI and HIV awareness, branded messaging, educational materials as well as condom distribution.

Camille John, Nutritionist with the Marriaqua Health District, emphasised the event's importance given the rising prevalence of both communicable and non-communicable diseases.

“We are seeing an increase in both communicable and non-communicable diseases, and while we have continued our education efforts, the numbers remain concerning. This is why initiatives like the 'Love Thine Self' Health Fair, which focuses on interactive learning and practical engagement, are so important-they create meaningful opportunities for individuals to better understand their health and take proactive steps toward self-care.”

La Fleur Quammie, UN Country Coordination Officer for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, further noted the UN's partnership in helping to increase awareness and reduce risks.

“During the month of love, February, we anticipate heightened sexual activity, which means that there is an increased risk of intimate partner violence and gender-based violence. As UN partners, our aim is to play our part in helping to reduce these risks. Additionally, through partnerships with the ministry of health and civil society, we are increasing awareness to reduce the rate of sexually transmitted infections,” she said.

Collectively, the February outreach seeks to contribute to stronger public understanding of sexual and reproductive health, reduce STI transmission and unintended pregnancies, and foster increased uptake of testing services. Strategic guidance and promotional support from the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) further strengthened the initiative, aligning national action with the global commitment to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

Philcol Jeffers, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Gender and Youth Specialist, outlined the overarching vision guiding these efforts.“ We hope to help create a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. This is why we are supporting the government to ensure that adequate policies are in place,“ he said.

Through strengthened collaboration between government, civil society partners, and the United Nations, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines continues to expand access to sexual and reproductive health information, supporting healthier communities and sustained progress toward national and global development goals.

The post Month of Love sparks intensified HIV and STI Awareness efforts appeared first on Caribbean News Global.

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