The National Aids Programme today launched an aggressive campaign to get more people to take Aids tests. Simple enough, the theme is, "know your status, get tested today, know now, live longer." Activities and advocates says knowing that status is the key component in private and public management of this healthcare crisis. That's why they launched the campaign with a sense of urgency. We were there and here's how it went.
Alfonso NobleReporting,
With the lighting of the candle of hope held by Aids activist and survivor Allen Garbutt, the 'Know your HIV status campaign' was officially launched. The need for it was underscored by PAHO country representative Dr. Beverly Barnett.
Dr. Beverly Barnett, PAHO Country Representative
"The World Health Organization and UNAIDS estimate that an overwhelming majority of persons with HIV, approximately 90%, do not in fact know that they are infected."
And that is what is driving the need for a campaign. To target those who do not yet know their HIV status. Dr. Marvin Manzanero is the Director of the National Aids Program which is heading the campaign.
Dr. Marvin Manzanero,
"We are trying to encourage people to come out and get tested early, regardless of what you think your status will be, just make sure you if you are positive for example and you had doubts, you can now access treatment if the there is a treatment for you that you will actually require. If you are actually negative, the intention is for you to remain negative. As I said the thing is that most people are not even aware that testing is available for free for most patients. That is the reason why we are trying to promote this. Also, most people who are HIV positive are not aware sometimes that medication is also available for free. So those things that people don't know, that is what we are trying to bring out.
The other thing is we have to understand that HIV is a chronic disease. You're probability of surviving, or your life span is actually just the same as if you are diabetic or hypertensive or having cardiovascular disease provided you are taking your medication. So you have to understand that it is a chronic disease that we are living with it now and we have to start taking the adequate measures for that."
But while it may be a chronic illness for which preventative measures as well as treatment is available, the reality is that HIV and Aids is not only that,. It is a disease that carries additional implications the main one being stigma and discrimination.
Dr. Beverly Barnett,
"As Belize joins the rest of the world in moving towards universal access to care and treatment of HIV, it is critical that widespread testing and counseling be promoted, encouraged, and supported. This means that the services have to be convenient, easily accessible to all who interact with the health system as an integral part of comprehensive HIV prevention and control efforts. Not only must individuals get tested early but testing, counseling, care, treatment, and support must be provided in an environment where people are not afraid to use the services. Services, which are free from stigma and discrimination and which are provided in a manner that respects the dignity of individuals and allows all persons to access the care that they need. It means that rather than wait for the client to request an HIV Test, the health care providers assumes the responsibility for initiating and offering HIV testing and counseling to all clients in an environment that is respectful and free from coercion."
And CEO in the Ministry of Health Margaret Ventura put it best and without coercion.
Margaret Ventura, CEO - Ministry of Health
"Let us take the time as individuals to try and convince at least person besides ourselves to get tested as part of this year's campaign."
The campaign will feature a national Aids testing day throughout the country where free public yet confidential HIV tests will be done in every district.
