Latest update April 18th, 2024 12:59 AM
Nov 05, 2009 News
As the National Week of Testing approaches, the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the National AIDS Programme Secretariat (NAPS) has got on board a number of local artistes to participate and be tested for HIV/AIDS.
Playing their role in society yesterday was Melissa Roberts (Vanilla), Michelle King (Big Red), Adrian Dutchin, Roger Hinds (Young Bill Rogers), Jessica Xavier, Desiree Edghill, Wilbur Levans (Lil Man) and Tenneisha, all of whom took an HIV/AIDS test at the NAPS building.
All of these artistes shared the view that by their participation in the event, young people will be motivated to get tested and to know their status.
Programme Manager of NAPS, Dr. Shanti Singh, explained that the secretariat has recognised the influence and power that artistes have on their supporters and the fan base, as many persons, especially youths, look up to them.
According to Dr. Singh, the fact that the artistes are testing for HIV should be testimony to the importance for every Guyanese to know their status. She added that the entertainment industry is an influential factor to young people in risk taking.
“Your presence here demonstrates that we can all have a good time together but in a safe way,” Dr. Singh said.
National Week of Testing will commence from November 14, 2009 and will be held under the theme, “take action; take the test.
Delivering remarks on behalf of Kross Kolor Records was Adrian Dutchin who noted that the recording company recognises how important the event is and what it would mean for young people.
Dutchin committed that the company will definitely be on board to support anything that has to do with helping young people and the world, tantamount to the fact that HIV is something that is definitely affecting the world.
The entertainer also explained that there is this growing trend where men are afraid to get tested. In this regard, he urged for this to be changed.
“So fellas, Adrian Dutchin and the entire Kross Kolor Crew is saying to come out get tested, because it is important to know your status,” Dutchin advised.
Meanwhile, Minister of Health, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy who was also tested yesterday reiterated that artistes have huge influence in any country and as such thy have an important role to play in society.
“We all talk about everybody has a role and some of us have greater roles to play and unfortunately you carry a burden, which is not to only entertain people but because of the following you have among the population. I think you have a responsibility…it might be an unfair responsibility but you chose that responsibility when you chose to be an entertainer,” Dr. Ramsammy told the artistes.
He also lauded Artistes in Direct Support for the work being done in promoting information about the virus. According to the Health Minister, Artistes in Direct Support is one of the best-known organisations in Guyana in its fight against HIV/AIDS as it is one of the best Non Governmental Organisation and Civil Society Organisation not only in Guyana but also in the Caribbean.
Dr. Ramsammy also explained that over the years the Health Ministry has made tremendous improvement in effectively tackling the virus.
For the National Week of Testing, the Health Ministry has established an ambitious target of reaching out to 20,000 persons to be tested for HIV/AIDS.
To facilitate countrywide testing, a total of 310 testing sites have been established across the country. These sites are appropriate for testing, as there are guaranteed confidentiality and has been certified by the NAPS.
Some news sites established for this year includes the City Mall, all of the outlets of Scotia Bank and of Republic Bank.
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