Minister of Health, Rudyard Spencer, says HIV and AIDS continue to be a major priority area on the global health agenda.

He says there is an appreciation worldwide for the link between HIV and AIDS, poverty and development. In light of this Spencer says the government is committed to scaling up interventions and treatment for persons living with HIV and AIDS.

He has therefore renewed his call for persons to get tested for HIV today as the Caribbean observes regional HIV Testing Day.

"Knowing your status is the first step in the fight against HIV and AIDS that every one of us can make at a personal level. From the level of the Ministry of Health, we continue to provide treatment, care and support to persons living with the disease. There is access to free antiretroviral medication," he said.

Be aware of your status

Spencer points out that an estimated 28,000 persons in Jamaica are living with HIV, but more than 18,000 are not aware of their status.

"We need more stakeholders involved in health promotion activities and a greater level of consistent support and leadership from various levels of society including the political directorate, faith-based organisations, the private sector and NGOs," he said.

Last year, over 225,000 HIV tests were done including at private labs. Between January and March of this year, over 58,000 tests were done. Spencer says he is hopeful that these figures will increase significantly.

The Ministry of Health, the Caribbean Broadcast Media Partnership on HIV and AIDS (CBMP), Scotiabank, and PANCAP have joined forces in promoting regional HIV Testing Day on June 24 2011 to coincide with International HIV Testing Day.

The objective of this initiative is to heighten public interest in voluntary counselling and testing as an effective mechanism for preventing the spread of HIV infection and, further, to help reduce stigma and discrimination. Sixteen countries at which Scotiabank branches are located are on board this year. The goal is to have at least 10,000 persons being tested across these countries. Testing sites will be located at all Scotiabank branches.