More than 200 testing sites are expected to be operational throughout Guyana during this week as the National AIDS Programme Secretariat (NAPS) attempts to test some 10,000 person for HIV and AIDS for this period.
NAPS in collaboration with the Ministry of Health on Monday launched its week of national testing under the theme ‘Take action, take the Test’.
According to a release from NAPS, its Programme Manager Dr Shanti Singh, is “very optimistic and confident that her department will achieve or possibly surpass the target of 10,000” as Guyanese have come a long way with voluntary counselling and testing. Singh pointed out that the week of testing is “a demonstration of the level of involvement now more than ever as it relates to HIV.”
The release said Singh stressed that while a lot of people may still be in the dark as it relates to their status her secretariat through its various mass media messages has impressed upon the nation to understand that knowing your status is as normal as doing a regular health check for any other health related issue.
The Health Ministry first launched its National Day of Testing in 2006 and since then it has grown into a week of testing
Those that loves to have extra martial sex without condoms, will surely be afraid to be tested…… Will a lot of lives be in oblivion after the tests?
It’s great to see that Guyana is really focussed on HIV and AIDS in Guyana, however I strongly believe that focus should be on prevention through education in schools, TV and in print as well. Keep up the good work those of you who are fucus on such important matters!
this is good for guyana , which is one of the places in the carribean (and let me note that we are considered part of the carribean) that is up there when it come to aids infected persons, all sexually active persons should be tested, knowing your status is great to be aware of.
National Testing Day has proved to be very successful in the north, especially in the US. It is remarkable that people are now taking responsibility and getting tested. Research shows that early discovery of HIV diagnosis (knowing your status) is a highly effective way to help manage infections in people living with HIV. I trust that there are adequate and non discriminatory services for those who are diagnosed with HIV. Kudos to all involved in the fight against AIDS in Guyana. Big KUDOS to the Ministry of Health and members, supporters and friends of G+!