Health Connect Jamaica (HCJ), a USAID-funded project committed to providing free, accessible healthcare services, has amplified its outreach by partnering with leading Jamaican companies to promote regular HIV testing and self-test kits as part of routine wellness.
Throughout October and November, HCJ has been collaborating with Rainforest Seafood, Consolidated Bakeries (Purity Bread), Boss Furniture, and Massy Distributors to provide health and wellness screenings for employees. This helps to reduce the stigma around HIV and foster a supportive, inclusive environment within the workplace.
‘Our collaboration with these companies allows us to engage directly with hundreds of employees across sectors, empowering them to view HIV testing as a normal part of health management,’ said Jacynth Moore, HCJ’s Primary Prevention Intervention Coordinator.
‘When prominent companies openly support these initiatives, it sends a powerful message that resonates throughout communities. It shows that HIV testing is not only accepted but encouraged in the workplace, helping to dismantle stigma one step at a time.’
During each outreach event, HCJ offers participants:
- HIV and syphilis testing
- Free HIV self-test kits
- Blood pressure and blood sugar checks
- Height, weight, and nutrition assessments
- Wellness tips and health education
These outreach activities have been met with enthusiastic support from the corporate partners, who report a positive impact on employee morale and overall workplace health awareness.
By integrating preventive care into their wellness programmes, these companies actively support USAID’s global mission to make healthcare more accessible and routine.
Demand for self-test kits highlights public interest
One of the most in-demand resources at these events has been HCJ’s free HIV self-test kits, which allow individuals to test for HIV in the privacy of their homes.
The high demand, with stocks often depleted by the day’s end, reflects the community’s embrace of accessible, private testing options and signals a shift towards normalizing HIV self-care.
Expanding efforts with One Health and RCCE
Beyond the focus on HIV care, HCJ has also expanded to adopt the One Health approach and comprehensive Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) strategies.
One Health acknowledges the interdependence of human, animal, and environmental health, supporting HCJ’s commitment to a holistic view of healthcare, especially within vulnerable communities.
Through RCCE initiatives, HCJ empowers these communities by sharing essential health information, building trust, and enabling informed health choices.
‘Our partnership with these companies and our One Health and RCCE initiatives demonstrate HCJ’s commitment to a healthier Jamaica, from the workplace to the community at large,” adds Shanille Brissett, HCJ’s Psycho-Social Coordinator.
‘We are working towards a resilient, inclusive health landscape in the Caribbean where stigma is replaced with empowerment and proactive health management.’
Health Connect Jamaica, supported by USAID and key partners like the University of the West Indies, continues to prioritize free, confidential, accessible healthcare services for all Jamaicans. This helps to build a sustainable future where health and wellness are within everyone’s reach.
