ARGENTINA: World record HIV tests

In Global by AHF

 

World record for HIV test hopes to pave the way for improved education and treatments in Americas

Argentinians have set a new Guinness world record with over 3,000 HIV tests at a World AIDS Day event, that hopes to kick-start greater investment in health programmes…

The global non-profit AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) has welcomed its newest partner country, Argentina, with a world record series of health tests – that is hoping to provide a platform for further investments in HIV and Aids awareness in the Americas…

The HIV tests took place on World AIDS Day in Rosario, with AHF, and various health care partners setting a new Guinness World Record for the most HIV tests in one city in multiple venues in a day…

Ten venues across Rosario offered free tests during the same eight-hour period.

AHF Argentina and its partners, including Fundación Bienestar and Dr Lupo’s team carried out 3,733 free HIV tests.

This overtook the previous record of 467 tests in London in 2011…

“This Guinness World Record on HIV testing sends a message to the rest of Argentina, Latin America and the world that it is possible to break the barriers of HIV stigma and get thousands of people to voluntarily come in to get an HIV test…” Dr Miguel Pedrola, President of Fundación Bienestar, said.

Testing allows for earlier diagnoses and access to treatment for those who test positive…

It is hoped the event will inspire: “other countries and cities to work toward achieving even higher testing numbers and will help normalise the entire testing process as a routine matter of health and wellness…” said Dr Patricia Campos, AHF Latin America.

AHF is backing further investments in programmes in the region, and has shipped 20,000 rapid HIV tests to Latin America from Mexico to extend its programmes, 10,000 of which are for Argentina and 10,000 for Peru…

AHF began working in Latin America in 2007 and has developed rapid HIV testing programmes in urban areas, especially in Mexico.

In the build up to the World AIDS Day Guinness record event in Rosario, AHF provided training to volunteers and health professionals in Santa Fe and Cordoba, Argentina; as well as in Peru and Paraguay, as the basis for implementing permanent HIV rapid testing programmes in these countries.

Corporate welfare spurs Gilead’s record profits on AIDS drugs
Dallas Voice: AIDS Healthcare Foundation opens Dallas clinic