In a proactive effort to address the critical issue of HIV/AIDS and public education, a wide cross-section of health professionals attended a four-day, successful Counselling and Testing (CT) training workshop in Providenciales last week.
Hosted by the Health Promotions and Advocacy Unit, the comprehensive training aimed to equip healthcare professionals and allies with the necessary skills to provide empathetic and informed counselling for individuals needing to know their status or affected by HIV/AIDS.
Expert facilitators, well-versed in both counselling and HIV/AIDS care, led engaging discussions and practical exercises. Participants explored strategies for effective communication, stigma reduction, and creating safe spaces for individuals affected by the virus.
Mrs Aldora Robinson, Director of the Health Promotions and Advocacy Unit, commenting on the training, said, “This training empowers individuals to provide valuable support to those facing challenges, contributing to the overall well-being of our community as we aim to meet the global targets of 95% of persons knowing their HIV status, 95% of persons linked to care and 95% of persons with a suppressed viral load by 2025.”
The Ministry of Health and Human Services described the CT training as a cornerstone in its advocacy efforts, fostering a community where awareness, support, and early intervention converge for a healthier, more resilient society.
The Minister of Health and Human Services, Honourable Shaun D Malcolm stated, “This specialised training is pivotal in our ongoing efforts to enhance the support system for those combatting HIV/AIDS and its associated challenges. Our healthcare personnel are now better equipped to provide compassionate and comprehensive care to individuals in our community. As frontline advocates, these trained professionals are poised to make a significant impact on the well-being of affected individuals.”
The CT training is a testament to the commitment of the MoHHS to fostering a community that prioritizes awareness, compassion, and access to information and know their HIV status.
