National

Move Beyond The Stigma

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – World AIDS day will be observed this Thursday. This year’s focus is equalizing treatment for high risk groups.

Published

1 year ago

November 28, 2022

Jameelha Missick

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – World AIDS Day will be observed this Thursday. This year’s focus is equalizing treatment for high risk groups.

Knowing your status. That’s the message Director of the National HIV/AIDS and Infectious Diseases Program Dr. Nikkiah Forbes is pushing as the country prepares to recognize World AIDS Day.

Officials are also pushing for equal access to essential HIV services for children. Men who have sex with men. Transgender people. People who use drugs. Sex workers and prisoners.

Dr. Forbes explains that early symptoms of HIV exposure may resemble the common cold or flu.

She says if you are HIV positive, getting on medication as early as possible is key. And, if you’re negative there are ways to keep that status.

Dr. Forbes maintains that HIV is not a death sentence, and this year’s theme “equalize” speaks to moving beyond the negative stigma.