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In observance of Regional Testing Day on June 27, the Ministry of Health will be conducting a number of HIV testing and counselling sessions.?? The events will be held in collaboration with Scotiabank and the Caribbean Broadcast Media Partnership on HIV/AIDS, at Scotiabank locations across the island on Friday, June 24.
Testing will run from 9.00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at branches located at Broad Street, Haggatt Hall, Hastings, Warrens, Holetown and Black Rock. There will be a seventh testing site at Independence Square, the City, to further capitalise on the large number of persons who travel through Bridgetown.
Health professionals from the Ministry will provide, in addition to counselling and testing, educational materials that address issues related to HIV/AIDS, as well as condoms to patrons.
The following day, Saturday, June 25, HIV testing will continue at Emerald City Supermarket Six Roads, St. Philip; Oistins, Christ Church; and Jubilee Gardens, in the City.?? This exercise will run from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.
Voluntary counselling and testing will also be offered at some churches on Sunday, June 26.
This is the 4th year that the Health Ministry will be partnering with Scotiabank and the Caribbean Broadcast Media Partnership on HIV/AIDS, in an effort to maximise the uptake of persons coming forward to be tested for HIV in Barbados.??
With the Ministry expecting some 1,000 persons to visit the testing sites, over the three-day period, the public is being encouraged to come out and ascertain their HIV status.