St. Maarten AIDS Foundation conducted another successful HIV Testing event on Saturday at the Seventh Annual Lion Rudy Hoeve Health & Wellness Fair, with 142 people being tested for HIV during the course of the day. The Foundation tested 57 men and 85 women. 20% were testing for the first time.
37 volunteers were mobilized for the event, including 8 who registered via SXM DOET and 26 physicians-in-training from the American University of the Caribbean.
“There was a steady flow of people getting tested throughout the day, and it is encouraging to see that many were already aware that they should be getting an HIV test routinely. The individualized counseling sessions are also a great opportunity to discuss ways in which they can stay safe of HIV and STI infection”, noted Dr. Gerard van Osch, AIDS Foundation President.
For those who missed the testing day on Saturday, the same free and confidential tests are offered at the AIDS Foundation office in Cole Bay on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings from 9am to 12pm, or by appointment by calling +588 4636 or +553 2626.