Jamaica: HIV Testing Sites to Get Face-Lift

In an effort to improve the privacy and confidentiality of HIV/AIDS patients, Jamaica's Ministry of Health will give 16 of its voluntary testing and counseling facilities nationwide an upgrade this year. Dr. Kevin Harvey, HIV/AIDS treatment coordinator, said the ministry is currently taking bids from contractors for the multi-million dollar project. Funding derives from a $15 million loan from the World Bank for an HIV/AIDS prevention and control project.

The goal, he said, is to make the centers more comfortable and boost privacy levels for client testing and counseling. At present, some centers have walls that do not go all the way up to the ceiling, making it easy to overhear patient/counselor conversations.

Harvey noted that labs for HIV testing will be upgraded to expedite same-day results. The facilities will have their work areas revamped, get more lab technicians, and receive equipment, supplies and temperature-control devices. Furthermore, Harvey said 500 people have been trained to test and counsel HIV/AIDS patients.

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