Know Your HIV Status Campaign Launched

Belize City, November 29 2006: This morning the National AIDS Programme of the Ministry of Health in collaboration with PAHO/CAREC, Channel 5 and the National AIDS Commission launched the Know Your HIV Status Campaign, an initiative which calls out on Belizeans to test for HIV/AIDS. The Campaign is in the form of a number of television, radio and newspaper advertisements promoting HIV/AIDS testing at health clinics and the Voluntary, Counseling and Testing (VCT) Centers around the country. The ads will air throughout December and also next year.

According to Dr. Paul Edwards, Deputy Director of Health Services in the Ministry of Health, the statistics show that since 2003 10,000 to 16,000 HIV/AIDS tests are carried out each year. The Campaign seeks to increase the number of persons who test for HIV and AIDS and its message to 'Get Tested Today' is directed at everyone, not only those who are at risk. Dr. Edwards said there are benefits for persons to conduct an HIV/AIDS test even if he or she is not at risk. He said that getting a good result can cast away fears and reassure them that they are living a healthy lifestyle. For those who have engaged in unprotected sex and other risky behaviors, Dr. Edwards said that conducting a test can either let them realize that its time to start behaving responsibly or provide an opportunity to get early and adequate counseling and treatment.

The Know Your HIV Status Campaign has kicked off two days before the observance of World AIDS Day on Friday, December 1st - a day in which the National AIDS Commission and the Ministry of Health will carry out national public testing countrywide. The public testing will take place from 9:00am to 6:00pm at untraditional places such as the Bliss Center for the Performing Arts Parking lot in Belize City, the Park St. Market Area in Corozal and Central Park in Orange Walk. Belizeans are encouraged to take time out to find out their status. Additionally, VCT Centers will be opened for testing on three Saturdays in December the 2nd, 9th and 16th.

The Know Your HIV Status Campaign was launched at the Radisson Fort George Hotel with the message 'Know Your HIV Status. Get Tested TODAY. Know Now! Live Longer!' Attending the event were a number of representatives from partner agencies including PAHO/WHO, the Women's Department, UNICEF, PASMO and HECOPAB. (Source: Ministry of Health, Local Government, Transport and Communications)

(pdf - 830KB)