ABOUT 35 new voluntary counsellors/testers were trained yesterday by the National AIDS Programme Secretariat (NAPS).
After the two sessions training, the Programme Manager, Dr. Shanti Singh said at least two such will be conducted every year.
She said, however, the hope is that the NAPS budget will allow for four, annually. Until then, the two will generate 70 new counsellors/testers, in addition to the 300 already in the system. The course yesterday was hosted at Regency Suites Hotel on Hadfield Street, Georgetown and the individuals participating were from all the Administrative Regions, except Region Eight (Potaro/Siparuni).
Singh said the undertaking will bolster Guyana’s overall response  to HIV/AIDS, as prevention and people being aware of their status are major accomplishments.
She said those trained are employed with other agencies so the knowledge they gained will be extended to other circles, resulting in another plus for the national HIV/ AIDS response.
Singh said that, presently, Region One (Barima/Waini) is the only Region where a fixed voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) site is not operational but services are being provided there by teams operating from mobile units.
She explained that, while the Region is ready for a fixed site to be established there, NAPS must first go through the process of certifying persons and ensuring that the environment is conducive for VCT to be done.
Singh said, when Region One has a site, NAPS will be able to boast of having fixed sites in all the Regions of Guyana.
Additionally, she said NAPS is hoping to conduct more outreaches to different parts of the country.
“We are seeing that the outreaches, taking the services to the people are where we see a maximum yield. More persons get involved,” Singh stated.
She said, too, that new additions of counsellors/testers will facilitate more outreaches in places where NAPS already has a presence.
“We will not have to take persons from other places to our target area. We will be able to tap into resources that already exist and allow the counsellors/testers to serve their respective communities,” Singh noted.
Since its establishment, in 1992, NAPS has been instrumental in orchestrating support for victims of HIV/AIDS. (Vanessa Narine)