December 1st, 2009.

There is word today that 30 to 40 percent of the people, who are HIV positive in Tobago, do not know their status.

Director of Tobago Health Promotion Clinic, Dr. Raymond Noel says all persons who are sexually active should get tested.

Today is World Aids Day and Dr. Noel wants a re-commitment of all involved in the fight to reduce the spread of the virus on the island.

As part of the World Aids Day celebrations in Tobago, free aids testing will be done at the Market Square in Scarborough from 10 am to 3 pm.

The focus of this year’s observance is Universal Access and Human Rights.

The National Aids Coordinating Committee has planned activities in conjunction with several Government Ministries.

Among the activities today the annual formation of the Human HIV Ribbon.

This is spearheaded by the Northwest Regional Health Authority.

Meanwhile, infection figures may be falling in some countries, but Senior Advisor to the Pan American Health Organisation in the region, Amalia De Ragio is warning against complacency.

The World Health Organisation yesterday changed its advice on HIV drugs, asking that they be given sooner and to breast-feeding mothers with the virus.

According to experts this advice is based on the most up to date information available and will cut infection rates and save lives.

33.4 percent of the world population is living with HIV.


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