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Action for AIDS’ mobile van offering
anonymous HIV testing in Singapore has proven successful, attracting about 500
testers during the past six months, according to a report in the local daily
Straits Times. The popularity of the service seems to stem from the “anonymity,
convenience, and how quick and easy the testing process is,” said the advocacy
group’s spokesperson, citing feedback received.
About two-thirds of those tested are
ages 20-39. In Singapore last year, almost 100 people age 29 and younger tested
HIV-positive, compared with about 50 in 2005, Health Ministry statistics show.
Altogether, 461 people tested positive last year, 20 more than in 2010.
Increasing numbers of people are
being tested in areas such as the Geylang red-light district. Roy Chan, founder
and president of Action for AIDS, wants “to reach out to persons who are at
risk of HIV infection, but who, for whatever reasons, are afraid to go for
testing at clinics.” A recent study by the local Tan Tock Seng Hospital found
that eight in 10 patients refuse to be tested in that setting.
Anyone who tests HIV-positive using
the mobile service is referred for more blood tests at the Anonymous Test Site,
located in a clinic run by the Department of Sexually Transmitted Infections
Control. The site saw an average of 560 people each month in the last six
months.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is
dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and
empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV
virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit:
http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
