The Ministry of Health, Wellness, Human Services and Gender Relations partnered with local and regional bodies, Friday, to provide free HIV/AIDS sensitization and testing in observance of Regional Testing Day.

Regional Testing Day is a collaborative event held throughout the Caribbean on June 27, which aims to bring awareness to HIV/AIDS in the region. Officials say the education and testing provided is an effective way to stop the spread of the disease.

The event was hosted by Scotiabank, and testing was provided at Scotiabank locations island wide.

Ministry of Health Senior Medical Officer for Infectious Diseases, Dr. Cleophas d'Auvergne, said that government sought to execute a targeted approach for this year’s observance.

“This year we wanted to focus on vulnerable and at-risk groups, so we partnered with the Wings of Love foundation that helps the homeless. We wanted to provide not only HIV testing but chronic disease screening as well, for diabetes, cholesterol and blood pressure.”

D'Auvergne added that the incidences of HIV in Saint Lucia are stable and the focus continues to be on prevention.

Regional Testing Day was initiated by and the Pan-Caribbean Partnership against HIVAIDS (PANCAP), in association with Scotiabank and through partnership with the public and private sectors.