To recognise World Aids Day on Monday, the Department of Health is inviting the public to City Hall from 5.30pm until 7pm for its “Rock Red” Zumba Party, where participants are invited to wear red clothing to show support for those living with HIV and Aids.

“With advances in treatment, HIV can be managed as a chronic, yet livable condition, similar to other chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer and heart diseases,” said the Minister of Health, Seniors and Environment the Hon. Jeanne Atherden JP MP. “Although it is recognised that there are some significant differences between HIV disease and these other chronic diseases in relation to transmissibility and degrees of stigma, it must also be acknowledged that living a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and proper nutrition, can prolong the life of persons with any of these conditions.

“Therefore by combining the Ministry’s Move More campaign with HIV/Aids Awareness (World Aids Day 2014), we are acknowledging that exercise is good for everyone, regardless of their HIV status, while also reminding people of the importance of knowing their status.

“Additionally, HIV is preventable. So in the same manner that we reduce our risks of diabetes and heart diseases by exercising and proper nutrition, we can reduce the risk of HIV by learning about the risk factors for acquiring HIV, deciding not to engage in high risk behaviours and practising safer methods to prevent HIV.”

There are approximately 300 persons living with HIV in Bermuda. Six new infections were reported this year with the age of these individuals (both males and females) ranging from mid-twenties to over 60 years of age.

The Department of Health would like to emphasise that the only way to know for sure whether or not you have HIV is to get tested.

HIV testing takes place at the Victoria Street Clinic from Monday to Thursday from 8.30am to 11.30am and then again in the afternoon from 1.45pm to 3.30pm on a drop-in basis. Testing is free and confidential.

The Centre for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that everyone aged 15 to 65 should be tested at least once, however some people may need to get tested more often.

According to the CDC, people who engage in risky behaviours such as sex without a condom and injection drug use should be tested for HIV more frequently. You should also ask for the HIV test if you are planning to get pregnant, have a past history of STIs (sexually transmissible infections) or have been sexually assaulted. Even if you do not believe that you are at risk, it is still important to know your status.