Gov’t relaunches ‘Wrap It Up Re-Loaded’ Valentine’s
The Ministry of Health and Social Development has relaunched the "Wrap It Up Re-Loaded" Valentine’s campaign urging residents to "love responsibly, know their status, and protect their health" amid a rise in reported sexually transmitted infections across the Territory. The campaign includes daily themed messages, partnerships with local clinics offering Valentine’s Day testing promotions, and expanded outreach through newsletters, flyers and radio (BVI Government; BVI News).
The Ministry of Health and Social Development has launched the "Wrap It Up Re-Loaded" Valentine’s campaign, urging Virgin Islands residents to "love responsibly, know their status, and protect their health" as public health officials report a rise in sexually transmitted infection (STI) cases across the Territory (BVI Government; BVI News).
Public Health Officer Renee Leonard said the Valentine’s Edition of the campaign was timed to use the season of connection to promote safer choices. "Valentine’s Day is often associated with love and connection, and we wanted to use this moment to remind the community that real love includes protection, honesty, and informed choices," Ms.
Leonard said, adding that knowing one’s sexual health status is empowering for individuals and partners (BVI Government). The ministry says the relaunch comes amid increasing reported STI cases, a key reason for intensifying outreach now. The initiative aims to normalise STI testing, reduce stigma, and reinforce the importance of regular sexual health checks for people of all ages, officials said (BVI Government).
The Valentine’s Edition will feature daily themed messages throughout the week focused on confidence, communication, wellness, and shared responsibility in relationships. Practical guidance from the campaign stresses mutual faithfulness where appropriate, consistent use of barrier contraceptives, open communication between partners, and making regular testing part of routine healthcare (BVI Government).
As part of the outreach, the ministry has partnered with the Wellness Center Clinics and Sapphire Health to offer special Valentine’s Day testing promotions, making it easier for individuals to get confidential testing and counselling, the government said. These promotions are intended to increase access to services during the campaign period (BVI Government).
BVI News, which also reported on the relaunch, reiterated Ms. Leonard’s call to residents to "Be faithful to one partner, use barrier contraceptives, know your status, and enjoy Valentine’s Day responsibly," and noted that the campaign materials will be distributed through the ministry’s February newsletter, printed flyers, radio advertisements and a GIS radio report (BVI News).
The ministry encouraged community groups, partners and local media to amplify the messages to reach younger residents and other high-risk groups. Residents seeking sexual health information or testing services were advised to contact the Public Health Unit at 468-2273 or visit the third floor of the Union Property Building for confidential services (BVI Government).
For public health communications enquiries, the ministry provided contact details for Natasha Lettsome-Humphrey, Public Health Communications Specialist, at 468-2286 or nlettsome@gov.vg. International media enquiries can be directed to BVIGovernment@dgagroup.com. General government inquiries and appointment bookings are available via Government of the Virgin Islands phone 1(284)468-3701 and WhatsApp 1(284)468-9760.
The Ministry of Health and Social Development reiterated its commitment to protecting and promoting the health and social well-being of the Territory through effective policies, sustainable programmes and strategic partnerships that support a safe, healthy and resilient society, and urged residents to take advantage of the testing promotions and educational resources being offered during the campaign period (BVI Government).
Primary source: BVI Government