Over 255 persons accepted the invitation of the Eastern Regional Health Authority to know their status and took the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) test during the HIV awareness campaign held in observance of Regional HIV Testing Day.
During the period 1-30 June, 2022, the Authority collaborated with key stakeholders such as the HIV and AIDS Coordinating Unit (HACU); Ministry of Sports & Community Development; Office of the Member of Parliament for Toco/Sangre Grande; CEPEP and Community groups to host activities to provide easy access to testing for vulnerable groups. By increasing HIV testing, Trinidad and Tobago is accelerating action to achieve the UNAIDS 95-95-95 goals by 2030 (diagnose 95% of HIV- positive individuals, provide antiretroviral therapy for 95% of those diagnosed and achieve viral suppressions for95% of those treated) by 2030.
The Authority conducted 25 Open Day testing sessions at key locations on scheduled dates. Clients had the option to visit selected Health Facilities which included the Sangre Grande Enhanced Health Centre and Outreach Centres at Cumuto; Valencia; Coryal; Matura; Manzanilla; Guayaguayare and Matelot. The service was also made available at popular locations such as Birdie Square, Sangre Grande; Anglais Recreational Grounds in Cumana; in the vicinity of Wendell Guy’s Bar in Grande Riviere; Palm Tree Junction, Toco; Paray’s Car Park #2 Guayaguayare Road, Mayaro; Rio Claro Car Park, Naparima Mayaro Road, Rio Claro and the National Energy Skills Centre, Mayaro.
In an effort to empower clients to make informed decisions the ERHA conducted health education sessions for over 547 clients under this initiative. 71 HIV self-testing kits were also distributed thereby increasing the number of persons who are now aware of their status. Additional services such as Random Blood Glucose testing, Blood Pressure test vital signs, Influenza vaccines were also conducted.
The ERHA encourages persons to know his/her status.
Client receives HIV Rapid Test at the Sangre Grande Hospital 
Esther Williams, Enrolled Nursing Assistant interviews a member of the public at the Sangre Grande Enhanced Health Centre