Residents are being offered free HIV testing throughout June as part of a global awareness drive.

HIV Awareness and Testing Month was launched at a gathering today attended by Ann-Marie Moore, co-ordinator for the Sexual and Reproductive Heath Clinic, with Shaun Ramroop, the chief medical officer and Kim Wilson, the Minister of Health.

Ms Moore said HIV remains a public health issue requiring awareness, education, prevention, testing, treatment and community support.

She said it was also an opportunity to recognise the island’s “significant progress”, adding: “One message remains clear — knowing your HIV status is one of the most important steps a person can take to protect their health and the health of others. Routine HIV testing remains a cornerstone of prevention and early intervention.

“When HIV is diagnosed early, individuals can access treatment that allows them to live long, healthy and productive lives.

“Early diagnosis helps reduce transmission and supports our broader health goals.

“Equally important is ensuring that people feel comfortable accessing all services. Confidentiality, dignity and respect remain at the heart of everything we do.”

However, Ms Moore said that stigma continues to be one of the greatest barriers to testing and care. She called on the community to “replace fear and misinformation with knowledge, understanding and compassion”.

“Open conversations and supportive communities create an environment where individuals can feel empowered to seek care and make informed decisions about their health.”

Kim Wilson, the Minister of Health, said that one of Bermuda’s most important milestones Bermuda was its designation from the World Health Organisation and Pan American Health Organisation confirming the island has eliminated mother-to child transmission of HIV.

Ms Wilson said: “It shows what is possible when prevention, early testing and treatment are accessible and trusted.

“Throughout June, the Sexual and Reproductive Health Clinic is offering free and confidential HIV testing, making it easier for residents to take that important step.

“We also continue to share the message that when a person living with HIV is on treatment and becomes undetectable, they cannot pass the virus on.

“This remains a key part of reducing transmission and helping people live healthy, full lives. Our work is focused on ensuring that people living with HIV are diagnosed early, receive antiretroviral therapy and achieve viral suppression.

“This depends on strong clinical services, consistent follow-up and a supportive environment that encourages people to seek care without fear or hesitation. HIV services are delivered while respecting human rights and protecting individuals from discrimination.”

Dr Ramroop provided a clinical perspective on HIV in Bermuda.

He said that as of December 2025, an estimated 306 persons were living with HIV and that last year, three new HIV cases, one new Aids case and no HIV or Aids-related deaths were recorded.

Dr Ramroop said: “These numbers reflect both the progress we have made and the unavoidable responsibility we have to protect one another.

“From a clinical standpoint, testing is not only a service; it is a gateway to early diagnosis, timely treatment and long-term health. When people know their status, they can access care that allows them to live full, healthy lives.”

He said the demographics of HIV in Bermuda told an important story.

“Most individuals living with HIV are between the ages of 45 to 64 years old, and 80 per cent of those persons acquired HIV through sexual contact,” he explained.

“These patterns reinforce the need for open conversations, safer practices and accessible information for people of all ages and backgrounds.”

He said the Sexual and Reproductive Health Clinic gave confidential, judgment-free support for anyone seeking guidance on testing or treatment.

He added that Mpox vaccines will be made available free of charge throughout the month of June. The two-dose vaccine is authorised for the prevention of the disease and is considered safe for people with HIV.

For more information, visit www.gov.bm/health-clinics-bermuda and www.gov.bm/health-information.