Youth support HIV Testing Day

YOUNG PEOPLE turned out in their numbers at the Bank of Nova Scotia in downtown Kingston yesterday for the Caribbean Regional HIV/AIDS Testing Day. Students from Kingston College (KC) were among those in attendance who were actively engaged in getting tested and gathering information. Javanni Miller, a student at KC, told The Gleaner that he is grateful for the exposure. "Well, it's always good to have these things because as young people, we want to make sure that we are as up to date as possible on these issues," he said. "A lot of us, like myself, still need to learn more about the issues, and especially with the consistent occurrence of persons being tested positive for STIs (sexually transmitted infections), there is always room to inform yourself and know your status," he said. NERVE-RACKING MOMENT It was a nerve-racking moment for 24-year-old Shadae, who says she was anticipating her results as she has been having unprotected sex for sometime. "I have been running a huge risk with my boyfriend because we have been having unprotected sex and he is running wild. He has a lot of women, so I just want to know my status. Anything can happen," she said. Behavioural change communications officer at the Ministry of Health, Kerry McKay, pointed out that the rise in STIs is a worrying trend among young people between 15 and 24 years. "There is still a worrying trend among our young people. They are the ones with multiple sex partners. Condom use has declined, and transitional sex is also on the increase among this age group. So it is still cause for concern," said McKay. "This speaks to the issue that we allow young people access without discrimination to safer sexual commodities, including information, so as to aid in their development and ensure they are protected," she declared. culled from http://jamaica-gleaner.com