Port of Spain, December 13, 2009:  The Ministry of Health is pleased to announce that 1,055 persons in Trinidad and Tobago participated in the National HIV Testing Day on December 4th 2009, accessing free counseling and same day HIV testing.  The National HIV Testing Day was hosted by the Ministry of Health in observance of World Aids Day (which is internationally observed on December 1st). 

The level of participation this year constitutes a record for the history of National HIV Testing Day, exceeding the goal of 1,000 persons to be tested. Out of the total 1,055 persons who received testing, 835 persons were from Trinidad and 220 from Tobago. Most persons fell within the 20 - 24 years age group, and 61% of those tested were female.  Several teenagers within the 15 to 19 years age group also came for HIV testing accompanied by their parent or guardian.
A total of twenty-six (26) testing sites throughout Trinidad and Tobago were available for HIV testing and included twenty (20) public health centres and six (6) mobile clinics.  All offered on-site pre-testing and post-testing counseling. It is important to note that the Ministry of Health offers same day HIV testing which is available throughout the year.

Dr. Anton Cumberbatch, the Chief Medical Officer of the Ministry of Health, wishes to warmly thank all citizens, health care workers and other support personnel who contributed to the success of the National HIV Testing Day.