7 News Belize

US Ambassador Takes the Test for World Aids Day
posted (December 1, 2009)

Today is World Aids Day and by now you know probably the hard reality: Belize has the highest prevalence rate in Central America and the fifth highest in the Caribbean. And as of June of this year, 5,002 persons were living with HIV and Aids. 169 of those were new infections. And we stress, those numbers are only for those who have been tested. But despite the sad staggering statistics, at the day’s official event – the mood was positive. And that is because despite those numbers - the news is positive. For the first time – it appears that Belize’s infection rate is levelling off.

At this morning’s event, a new calendar and HIV testing and counselling guidelines were launched at the Radisson Hotel. It had the participation of two Cabinet Ministers and one prominent ambassador who all took the test. 7News was there.

Keith Swift Reporting,
This morning US Ambassador Vinai Thummalapally was the first dignitary to roll up his sleeve and take an HIV test. The Ambassador says it is symbolic and it is all about awareness.

Vinai Thummalapally, US Ambassador
“Just to bring it to the awareness, bring up the awareness in every Belizean that it is critical that we get tested, we know our status, whether we are positive or negative. Obviously we want to be negative but the effort, my effort is in the area of awareness and to erase the stigma against HIV.

My mentor is President Obama who was tested in Africa couple years ago which resulted tremendous saving of lives and sorrow and not just in Africa but in the entire world and I would like to not just myself tested but I would encourage every Belizean to be tested.”

Director of the National Aids Program Marvin Manzanero says there is reason for hope.

Dr. Marvin Manzanero, Director - National Aids Program
“For this year, initial statistics for the first six months, the numbers seem lower than previous years. So it seems we are putting a dent but like I said we have to wait until the final tally for 2009.”

Dr. Manzanero says that stigma and discrimination continues to be a problem.

Dr. Marvin Manzanero,
“Basically if you notice the local logo, ‘Stop the Sadness,’ in the word sadness you have SAD highlighted specifically because it talks about stigma and discrimination. That is key because if we are able to stop stigma and discrimination we will go a long way in treatment and people will be able to come out and get tested.”

There were testing centres set up across the country. Last year 910 persons took HIV tests during the week of activities for World Aids Day. Meanwhile those numbers for the third quarter will be available shortly.

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