MORE persons than anticipated turned up for free HIV testing at the World Aids Day Activity Fair Monday - some 200 more than last year, the Ministry of Health reported.

Andrea Campbell, south east regional behaviour change co-ordinator at the ministry, said that up to late Monday afternoon, more than 1,200 persons were tested. The figure, she said, was good in light of fears that the weekday function would not have seen such a high turnout.

"We were saying that since it is a Monday, unlike the weekend last year and people are at work, we were looking for about maybe 800 persons. But we have gone more than that number already," said Campbell shortly before 5:00 pm, as she pointed to a queue of persons outside four tents set up for HIV testing.

The activities, dubbed 'Youth take the lead' were held in addition to a street march put on by the Jamaica Red Cross, held to destigmatise the HIV virus.

According to Marvin Gunter, national programmes director for HIV and youth at the Jamaica Red Cross, the march - which saw more than 200 students parading through sections of the Corporate Area - was a success.

"The march lasted just under two hours, so of course we are not expecting to change everyone's attitudes with just a walk but the primary objective was to raise the level of consciousness about the issues and impact of HIV and I can say that we have accomplished that."

Campbell attributed the large testing turnout to the increase in public awareness about the deadly disease, as well as the general desire of persons to know their HIV status.

"Persons are more aware of this illness but I think that persons just basically want to know their status and how they can be helped if they have the virus," said Campbell.
She said persons from across the island turned up to get tested.