The Health Services Authority, the Cayman AIDS Foundation, and the Cayman Islands Red Cross will once again join forces in coordinating activities to mark HIV Testing week which will be observed in the Cayman Islands from  June 25  -30.  This is in support of the National Testing Day, and Regional HIV Testing Day (RTD) observed on June 27.

“Regional Testing Day has become a permanent fixture on the calendar of Caribbean countries for the past eleven  years and has expanded to more than  21 territories, providing an opportunity for persons to “Know their status” noted Nurse Laura Elniski HIV Programme Coordinator at the Health Services Authority. While the US National and Caribbean Regional testing days will be observed on June 27 and will focus on “Get tested. Share your story” Cayman’s week of activities will be aimed at promoting heightened awareness of HIV testing and prevention after our successful completion and validation of the Elimination of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV and Congenital Syphilis, EMTCT.

HIV Testing week provides  an opportunity to educate the public about prevention and protection against HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases as well as free testing to know one’s status.

Testing centers will be available across the Island.  Health Promotion Officer at the H.S.A, Therese Prehay says no appointment is necessary at the larger clinics and the waiting time for testing  is usually no more than ten minutes. The testing procedure involves a quick and simple blood test.

Persons who are seeking testing or counseling can indicate to the registration clerks that they would like to register for free HIV testing. The results will be available in three working days or less and will be given to the patient only, who must return to the clinic where the test was taken to get the results. This is to protect the confidentiality of the individual and to offer post test counseling.