THE fourth National Week of Testing, for HIV/AIDS in Guyana, surpassed its target.

A total of 26, 660 individuals were tested, more than the 20,000 targeted, with the most done at temporary sites and greater response from males, the National AIDS Programme Secretariat (NAPS) reported.

Statistics show that 52 per cent of those who underwent tests were males and 89 per cent examined at the temporary locations, all under the theme ‘Don’t take chances-take the test’.

There were 386 sites countrywide and the Health Ministry said it is quite clear that, in addition to the fixed ones, people need to be accommodated at the temporary sites.

Preliminary test counts show Regions One (Barima/Waini) 152; Seven (Cuyuni/Mazaruni) 152; Eight (Potaro/Siparuni)88 and Nine (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo) 62.

In the other Regions, the records reveal Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam) 759; Three (West Demerara/Essequibo Islands) 592; Four (Demerara/Mahaica) 12,103; Five (Mahaica/Berbice) 544; Six (East Berbice/Corentyne) 11,076 and 10 (Upper Demerara/Berbice) 769.

Importantly, only 82 persons tested positive for HIV, reflecting a prevalence of 0.3 per cent.

The efforts of health workers and NAPS were praised as having been extraordinary and the success of the exercise, said the Health Ministry, is an indication of a successful national response to the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

Meanwhile, persons who visited the testing sites were also able to check their blood sugar and blood pressure levels as well as their body mass index (BMI).