Basseterre, St. Kitts, December 15th, 2011 (SKNIS): The importance of knowing one’s HIV status comes to the fore once again as the National Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS (NACHA) and its implementing organ the National AIDS Secretariat undertake National Testing Day on Friday, December 16, 2011.
 
As customary, booths will be erected in Independence Square and residents will be encouraged to come and get a free and confidential HIV test given by trained Voluntary Council and Testing (VCT) Providers, who give counseling before and after testing.  This year’s special feature will be a raffle on a Blackberry smart phone donated by telecommunications provider LIME. 

To be eligible, persons getting tested have to return for their test results and text the letters “BB” to 9696 by December 21.  The drawing takes place December 22.  Persons who return for their same day test results will also receive a LIME $5.00 top-up.
 
The National Testing Day which runs from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., will also feature booths distributing HIV/AIDS information and HIV prevention material such as male and female condoms.  There will also be condom placement demonstrations and competitions.
 
National AIDS Coordinator Mrs. Destang-Richardson is encouraging residents who have not previously tested to take the opportunity to do so, while persons who have participated at previous testing days are still welcome.
 
Upcoming activities include the distribution and sale of calendars depicting the artwork of Grades 5 and 6 students on January13, 2012.  Cell phone operators who get tested also have until December 21 to text the letters “BB” to 9696 to eligible to win the Blackberry smart phone.
 

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