Sunday, 1 December 2013, marks the 24th anniversary of World AIDS Day. First observed in 1988, World AIDS Day (WAD) has served to raise awareness about the epidemic, honor those who have died, focus attention on issues that are key to a successful response and inspire positive action.

With some 35.3 million people around the world currently living with HIV/AIDS, World AIDS Day has become one of the most recognized international health days. The theme for World AIDS Day 2013 continues as “Getting to Zero”. After more than three decades in the global fight against HIV/AIDS, this year the global community has again committed to focusing on the three targets: “Zero new HIV infections. Zero discrimination. Zero AIDS-related deaths”.  HIV continues to be a major global public health issue, having claimed more than 36 million lives so far- an almost equal amount to those currently living with HIV/AIDS.

As part of this year’s local World AIDS Day activities, the Health Services Authority once again offers free HIV testing and counseling  starting Monday 25 November through to Friday 29 November 2013.

·         George Town General Practice, West Bay Clinic, North side Clinic, East End Clinic and  Faith Hospital, Cayman Brac- 9am -1pm .

The testing procedure involves a quick and simple blood test.  No appointment is necessary during this week and the waiting time for testing is usually no more than ten minutes. Persons seeking counselling and testing will need to indicate to the registration clerk that they would like to register for the Free HIV testing.  Results will be available in three working days. These will be given to the patient only, who must return to the clinic where the test was taken to get the results.

NB: For Little Cayman Clinic, clients are asked to call to schedule an appointment between November 25th and 29th   on 948 – 0072.

Free testing and counselling as well as educational booths have also been organised at other locations as a joint initiative between the Health Services Authority, the Cayman AIDS Foundation and the Cayman Islands Red Cross:

UCCI : Informational booth on HIV/AIDS- November 25th  and 26th 12:30 – 2 pm

UCCI: Free testing and counselling  – November 25th   2pm -4pm

CAF Office free testing and counselling   – Tuesday November 26th   and Thursday November 28th 2013 @ 5PM -7PM

Cayman Islands Red Cross Building: Free testing and counselling – Wednesday November 27th 2013  @ 5PM -7PM

Cost U Less : Free testing and counselling – Saturday November 30 , 10 am – 2pm

For more information about HIV testing week, contact Therese Prehay, Health Promotion Officer on 244-2632.