The AIDS Secretariat is urging residents to practise responsible sexual behaviour as Antigua and Barbuda holds its annual Carnival celebrations.
Antigua Carnival officially opened Saturday with a parade and T-Shirt Mas through St. John’s, launching several days of competitions, concerts, cultural activities and street events expected to attract thousands of residents and visitors.
AIDS Programme Manager Delcora Williams said the heightened social activity associated with the festival should not lead people to engage in risky sexual practices.
She advised individuals to use condoms when they are uncertain about a sexual partner’s HIV status.
Williams also highlighted pre-exposure prophylaxis, commonly known as PrEP, as another HIV-prevention option.
“There is PrEP, which is pre-exposure prophylaxis, which you can take to prevent yourself from contracting HIV if you’re going on a date, going to a party or whatever excitement you might plan during this period,” Williams said.
The appeal comes as Carnival events continue across the country. Junior Carnival, initially scheduled for Sunday, has been moved to Wednesday because of inclement weather.
Antigua and Barbuda’s HIV/AIDS response includes public education, testing, prevention services and access to treatment, with health officials continuing to encourage residents to know their status and seek care early.
Across the Caribbean, governments and public-health agencies are also working to reduce new infections, expand access to treatment and tackle the stigma that can discourage people from being tested or seeking support.
Internationally, the fight against HIV/AIDS has been strengthened by advances in prevention and medication. However, health authorities continue to stress that education, regular testing, safer sexual practices and equal access to healthcare remain critical to ending AIDS as a public-health threat.
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