SEVERAL senior government functionaries and other officials were yesterday tested for the HIV/AIDS virus to kick start the National Day of Testing today.

The officials before the voluntary exercise underwent a pre-test counselling session with Regional Voluntary Counseling and Testing Supervisor Trevor Mc Intosh.

Those tested were Culture, Youth and Sport Minister, Dr Frank Anthony; Housing Minister, Harrynarine Nawbatt; Heath Sector Development Unit Executive Director, Keith Burrowes; United States Ambassador, David Robinson; Centre of Disease Control (CDC) Director Dr. Lamar Hasbrouck; Peace Corp Director James Gennen; USAID Health Officer, Julia Roberts; and U.S. Embassy Political Officer Rolf Ogle.

Minister Nawbatt, speaking to the media after the test, remarked that the process was transparent and professionally administered and he will encourage staff of his ministry to do same. Ambassador Robinson also echoed the call, and pointed out Guyana has set the tone for similar exercises in the Caribbean.

NAPS Coordinator Dr Shanti Singh, in an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, said today’s exercise hosted by the Health Ministry and the National AIDS Programme Secretariat (NAPS) targets some 2,500 persons. She said this figure represents more that 100% increase from those tested during the exercise last year.

Dr Singh underscored, even though the target number might be exceeded, all systems are in place to ensure the integrity of the tests is not compromised.

She said some 46 fixed sites, in addition to 53 temporary ones, have been set up at strategic locations across the country. The will begin at 7. 30 am and is expected to end at 4.00pm.

The coordinator explained that participants will first be counselled both individually and in groups, where required, before being administered the test. In addition, there will be a group of floating counsellors to pitch in if the situation gets overwhelming.

Those tested positive, she added, will be referred to a treatment site for more detailed counselling; and if their condition is serious, they will be given medication.

The National Day of testing is held under the theme “Don’t take chances---take the test.”

Government over the years has made numerous other responses to combat the disease which currently affects close to 2.5 % of the population. These include

• strengthening of the surveillance system to produce information that will inform the design of interventions for HIV/AIDS reduction, and planning care for those infected;

• a pilot programme at antenatal care sites to integrate services to prevent mother to child transmission of the disease;

• AIDS awareness and education training at the workplace;

• reducing the risk and vulnerability of the disease through targeted public education efforts focused on health care providers, youths, employers, employees, entertainers and commercial sex workers;

• and the provision of free anti-retroviral therapy for HIV positive patients.