The National AIDS Pro-gramme Secretariat (NAPS) has announced plans for a week of activities during November 17 to 21 in observance of the National Day of Testing under the theme ‘Take action, Take the test’.

NAPS has been observing “The National Day of Testing” for the last three years and now it has set an ambitious  target of testing  2,000 persons, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported.

Director of the National AIDS Programme Secretariat Dr Shanti Singh in making this disclosure said also that this year will be the first time that a week of activities will be held.

Meanwhile, leaders from the government, diplomatic corps and President of the Central Islamic Organisation (CIOG) Fazeel Ferouz have received HIV counselling and testing ahead of the national testing day.

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Minister of Health Dr Leslie Ramsammy, US Ambassador to Guyana John Melvin Jones, Chairman of the Guyana Business Collation on HIV, Amanda St Aubyn and officials from the CIOG were among those who were counselled and tested in the presence of media representatives, some of whom were also tested.

Facilitating the process, GINA reported, were Regional VCT Officer Trevor Mackintosh, VCT Counsel-lor/Tester Yelena Singh and VCT Counsellor/Tester Leonard Tyndall.

The process was described by the participants as quick and easy. PM Hinds said that prior to being tested, questions were asked by the counsellor about sexual experiences and other high risk activities.

Meanwhile, the US Ambassador described the activity as a quick, painless process which is a life-saving venture. “I think it’s important that all Guyanese understand that HIV/AIDS is a leading concern to everyone. This is why the Ministry of Health is starting this programme today. It is important to understand that if you are at risk, please get tested,” he was quoted by GINA as saying.