~record number 266 tested for HIV~
St. Maarten AIDS Foundation is concern about the high prevalence persons engaging in unprotected and highly risky sexual activities. As the foundation tallies the numbers and statistics, of Saturday’s successful HIV testing day held in collaboration with the Lions Health and Wellness Fair, over 50 percent of the persons tested were advised to be re-tested in the next three to six months based on various factors.
President of the foundation Dr. Gerard van Osch confirmed that a record number of 266 persons (166 women and 100 men) were tested for HIV and none of the tests were reactive. This means that all the tests came back negative, however based on risk level and possible exposure to HIV some persons were advised to be re-tested in the coming months.
Based on the stats gathered a large percentage of men and women are coping with perceived or real infidelity and are not sure how to protect themselves against contracting sexually transmitted infections. This situation automatically places a person in a high risk situation.
Van Osch said he is very pleased that more and more persons are coming out to be tested and it shows that the community gradually understands the importance of getting tested and knowing one’s HIV status. This was the largest number of persons the foundation has tested in one day.
He was particularly impressed by the youth turnout. He said, "Getting our message to the youth is one of our major drive and seeing their turnout support and enthusiasm to get tested shows that little by little we are getting the message of ‘Know your status’ across." "Knowing your status" is the best way to stay healthy and reduce the impact of HIV on the St. Maarten community.
Another positive note, the foundation was also able to reach a large group persons, who were tested for the first time. And persons, who were tested before are now more confident about getting tested and monitoring and maintaining their negative status.
The foundation thanks the Lions Club for their effort in planning the Health and Wellness Fair, the students of the American University of the Caribbean and the volunteers, who made the testing day a great success.