HIV/AIDS Awareness: From Fear to Facts - Test. Know. Act. End Transmission

Send us Fan MailDear Listeners,We know that stigma impacts many things in our society including preventive health measures like HIV testing. Stigma is characterized as negative perception, disapproval, or judgment associated with a particular characteristic, condition, or group of people; which can lead to discrimination and mistreatment of individuals or particular groups of people. Discourse, suggest that sigma and negative attitudes around HIV and Aids has a major impact on individuals seeking testing, informing partners and seeking treatment. This may lead to delay in testing, avoidance of testing, fear of notifying and or delaying partner notification, which can further impacting HIV and Aids rates. In 2024 there were 8 new cases of HIV in Bermuda, which was a major increase in comparison to previous years. One could say that fear, misinformation and disinformation have been major players in why society view's HIV and Aids the way we do. On the other hand getting informed and getting tested can help to end the spread of HIV through prevention, and effective treatment. Listeners, ask yourself, what preconceived ideals, or lack of information have shaped your views on HIV testing. As we approach HIV testing day on Junes 27th, remember that getting tested is a crucial step in HIV prevention and treatment. #TestKnowActEndTransmission This episode of Bermuda Health-Abets, a podcast where we discuss everything from A to Z on healthy living, is dubbed HIV/AIDS Awareness: From Fear to Facts - Test. Know. Act. End Transmission. #empoweringinformingandmotivating Bermuda residents to live well. Our guests this episode are Ann Marie Moore, Sexual & Reproductive Health Program Coordinator, and Sherall Seymour, Surveillance Officer with the Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit. During this episode our guests define what HIV/AIDS is, talk about resent increase in HIV cases in Bermuda, the correlation between stigma and increased incidence, the impact of stigma on HIV testing the importance of early detections, treatment measures, and more. If you have a question you need answered or a topic you'd like to hear discussed on Bermuda Health-Abets, email [email protected] or call (441) 278-4900. Empowering, Informing  and Motivating Bermuda Residents to Live Well