The Ministry of Health has announced a series of events this month to mark HIV Awareness Month, including presentations and a social media campaign.

A Ministry spokeswoman said that given the preventable nature of HIV and advancement in treatment, the UNAIDS goal is “Getting to Zero: Zero New Infections, Zero Discrimination, Zero Aids-related Deaths.”

The spokeswoman said: “The Ministry recognises that fear of discrimination may be a reason for persons to avoid sexual health screenings.

“Therefore, throughout the month of June, the Ministry is providing opportunities to discuss HIV in an open forum, to use social media (#RockRedBDA) to show support for the over 300 persons living with or affected by HIV in Bermuda, to encourage people to get tested and to raise funds for our charity partner STAR (Supportive Therapy for Aids Persons and their Relatives).”

Between June 24 and June 27, author Marvelyn Brown will be on the Island to discuss her experiences living with HIV. On June 24, she will be the guest speaker at a public forum at the Bermuda Society of Arts Gallery in City Hall.

Other panellists at the event will include local experts on HIV/Aids and a representative from STAR.

On June 26, the Bermuda National Library will host ‘Not Just Another Book Club’, in which participants will discuss Ms Brown’s book The Naked Truth: Young Beautiful and HIV-positive and take part in a question and answer with the author.

And on June 27 the Hamilton Health Centre will observe HIV testing day, offering free, confidential and rapid HIV screenings between 8.30am and 3.30pm.

“The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organisation have recommended that screening for HIV infection should be performed routinely for all persons engaging in sexual behaviours and at least annually for persons likely to be at increased risk of HIV,” the spokeswoman said.

“The public is encouraged to get tested on this day and to discuss the importance of HIV testing with their friends, family members, colleagues, healthcare providers. HIV testing is also available year round at the Hamilton Health Centre.”

Throughout the month several bakeries and cafes will be joining in the Red Rock for a Sweeter Life campaign by offering red-themed treats with a portion of proceeds being donated to STAR to support families affected by HIV/Aids in Bermuda. Among the eateries taking part are Sweet Saak in St George’s, Tribe Road Kitchen in Hamilton and the Dockyard Pastry Shop.

Director of the Department of Health David Kendell said: “As we press toward the vision of Getting to Zero, we encourage the community to support the awareness activities and continue to have conversations about sexual health to continue the progress made in HIV prevention.”