Health minister Kim Wilson urged people to get tested for HIV as she marked World Aids Day.

Ms Wilson took part in a ceremony commemorating the day on the steps of the City Hall.

She said: “This year marks the 30th anniversary of the first World Aids Day and the theme ‘Know your status’ reminds us that although this is a treatable disease.

“If you don’t know that you are living with HIV, you cannot start treatment. So it is really, truly important for everyone to be tested for HIV and know your status.”

About 300 people are known to be living with HIV in Bermuda. Their ages range from under 20 to older than 65, and 70 per cent are men.

Ms Wilson added: “The great news is that we continue to have had no mother-to-child transmissions of HIV in over 20 years.

“This is a remarkable achievement for the country, and it is thanks to the dedicated Department of Health staff and our healthcare partners that we have accomplished this globally coveted achievement. Bermuda’s healthcare professionals are to be congratulated.”

• To read Kim Wilson’s remarks in full, click on the PDF under “Related Media”