Click here to print
Getting More Belizeans Tested For HIV
Fri, June 24, 2016
Today is known as the Regional Testing Day. It's an initiative led by Scotia Bank and Pancap every year since 2007 in an effort to get more people tested for HIV.

In Belize, the National Aids Commission partnered with the Ministry of Health and the Belize Family life association to conduct free HIV tests - in an effort to increase the number of persons who know their HIV status. This year the event was held at the Scotia Bank parking lot in Albert Street. We stopped by this morning:

Emanuel Pech
"What is the turn out of the event, because normally when it comes to these sort of sensitive issues, they wouldn't want to come to such an open event?"

Arthur Usher, Comm. Ofc., Natn'l Aids Commission
"What we're finding is over the years Belizeans have been more sensitized and more aware of their sexual health, so they're coming out more consistently. Again, recognizing that there is more life after HIV positive or negative. If you're negative it's good to always try to continue living that negative lifestyle. If you're positive, there's also resources and help available for those who are positive. There is some fear and stigma still but its dwindling a bit because people are recognizing more and educated."

Ana Carillo, Got Tested
"I think because its practice for me that I do it twice a year, it doesn't bother me but I do see people flinching and people turning their faces, I'm okay with it. It doesn't hurt, it's mostly the anticipation of it, that's where you'll get scared, and after that it's okay. Believe it or not, a lot of people still don't understand the virus. People have been living with the virus for many years and they live quite productive and healthy lives. It's not a death sentence, it's getting care and treatment as you get a result once it's positive. For those of you who are negative, it's to also maintain a negative status."

Ceford Myles, Got Tested
"To be honest with you, this is the first time I've ever taken this type of blood test. I think it's most necessary because when people see that you go to the hospital and you come out they'll say you drop off a lot. I've dropped off a lot because, I don't eat much, they'll say 'oh that man has aids', but the only best thing to do is to take the test and prove to the world that it's not so."

Emanuel Pech
"As an elderly man, one of the statistics is that a lot of men don't get tested, it's mostly women who come here and get tested. What would you say to those younger men who are engaged in activities of sex nature and are not coming in to get tested?"

Ceford Myles, Got Tested
"I would say, it would be necessary for them to come and take the test while they can, should incase if you have the virus you can get the medication in due time or else, you can't wait until you're already dying."

This is the 5th year that Belize has participated in this regional event.

Close this window