Health Fair tests indicate high prevalence of unprotected sex

~ Record 266 tested for HIV ~

PHILIPSBURG--St. Maarten AIDS Foundation has raised concerns about the high prevalence of people in the community engaging in unprotected and highly risky sexual activities.

More than 50 per cent of the people tested on Saturday were advised to be re-tested in the next three to six months based on various factors, according to the foundation. The percentage is based on the foundation's tally of statistics during Saturday's HIV testing day held in collaboration with the Lions Club's Health and Wellness Fair.

Foundation President Dr. Gerard van Osch said a record number of 266 people (166 women and 100 men) had been tested for HIV and none of the tests had been reactive, meaning all tests were negative. However, based on risk level and possible exposure to HIV, some people were advised to be re-tested in the coming months. This was the largest number of persons the foundation has tested in one day.

The statistics, compiled from the counselling sheets, showed a large percentage of men and women are coping with perceived or real infidelity. They also were not sure how to protect themselves against contracting sexually transmitted infections, a situation that automatically places them in a high risk situation.

Van Osch is very pleased that more and more people are getting tested and are using the public testing day for this and to get more information. He said it also showed the community gradually had come to understand the importance of getting tested and knowing their HIV status.

He was particularly impressed by the youth turnout. "Getting our message to the youth is one of our major drives 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.

The foundation also was able to reach a large group of people who were tested for the first time, while those tested before were more confident about getting tested, monitoring and maintaining their negative status.

The foundation thanked the Lions' Club for its efforts to organise and host the annual Health and Wellness Fair, and American University of the Caribbean (AUC) students and other volunteers who made the testing day a success.

Source: http://www.thedailyherald.com/islands/1-islands-news/26592-health-fair-tests-indicate-high-prevalence-of-unprotected-sex-.html

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