Health

Approximately 643 People Are Living With HIV In USVI, D.O.H. Says; World Aids Day Vigil And Memorial March Happens Friday

ST. CROIX -- In recognition of World Aids Day, the Immunization Division of the Virgin Islands Department of Health (D.O.H.) and the Frederiksted Health Center will be hosting events on Friday, according to a release D.O.H. issued Wednesday. World AIDS Day, designated on 1 December every year since 1988, is dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection, and mourning those who have died of the disease. Events include an HIV/AIDs health awareness fair at the old municipal hospital in St. Thomas from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.; a memorial march and vigil in Frederiksted from 5:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (event begins at the fish market); and a "Life in the Time of HIV" performance at the Dorch Center across from Turtles Deli in Frederiksted from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Globally, there are an estimated 36.7 million people who have the virus. Despite the AIDS virus only being identified in 1984, more than 35 million people have died of HIV or AIDS, making i...