At the end of 2015, UNAIDS estimated that approximately 36.7 million people worldwide were living with HIV/AIDS. Of that number, 1.8 million of them were children under the age of 15 and approximately 1 in 8 infected adults do not know their HIV status. The local statistics are even more staggering. The Bahamas is one of two countries in the world where the national prevalence of the disease is over two percent.
For the past decade, ScotiaBank Bahamas has partnered with the National HIV/AIDS Programme in conjunction with the Ministry of Health PEPFAR to host local HIV/AIDS testing day locally and is an integral part of the company’s commitment to corporate responsibility. Since its inception in 2008, more than 90 thousand persons have been tested across the region and organizers of the event set a goal of testing 100 thousand persons to commemorate the tenth anniversary while also continuing to focus on information and education about prevention and protection.
Participants in this year’s testing day did not only receive free tests, but also received free phone cards, ScotiaBank gifts as well as access to free glucose, cholesterol, and overall health screenings.
Bahamas Waste, as part of its commitment to good corporate citizenship and to the wellbeing of the communities it serves, has continued to support HIV/AIDS prevention and education programs in hopes of reversing the impact of this global epidemic.
Known for its impeccable reputation as the island’s premier provider of medical waste disposal services. Bahamas Waste signed on as one of the major sponsors of HIV Testing Day team joined forces with ScotiaBank Bahamas to ensure that all the waste generated from the event is properly and safely disposed of.
“This is a cause that has been near and dear to our hearts for a long time”, explained Operations Manager, Ethelyn Davis. “We have worked with other groups like the All Saints Camp in the past and we understand how necessary it is that we educate everyone about HIV and the need to get tested and to know your status. Equally important to us is ensuring that infectious or hazardous medical waste is taken care of.”
The partnership between Scotiabank and Bahamas Waste is not a new one.
“This is a significant national event in The Bahamas and we are pleased to collaborate with Bahamas Waste who has been onboard since inception” explained Maxine Seymour, Manager of Public & Corporate Affairs at ScotiaBank, “Bahamas Waste’s participation is an active demonstration, like that of other local partners, of the company’s commitment to the fight against HIV/AIDS in our country.”
