An HIV testing and counselling campaign in Botswana, South Africa and United Republic of Tanzania has set a new Guinness World Record by testing 4367 people over an 8-hour period.
Teams worked across 20 testing sites in Maun District, Botswana, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania, and Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal provinces in South Africa. The campaign, which was intended to increase the number of people aware of their HIV status and, if necessary, refer people to HIV treatment and care services, broke the previous Guinness World Record, which was held by Argentina.
In 2013, there were around 1.1 million new HIV infections in eastern and southern Africa. Although HIV prevalence among young women aged 15–24 in eastern and southern Africa was about 40% lower in 2013 than a decade ago, HIV prevalence remains high among this age group—an estimated 3.7% in 2013—about twice that of young men.
“This is a true testament of the coordination and mobilization of local resources to achieve a magnificent result within such a short period of time. We hope to do more in actively involving civil society organizations and the community to achieve greater outcomes.”
Grace Muzila, National Coordinator, Botswana National AIDS Coordinating Agency
“Keeping HIV testing at the forefront of every South African’s mind will be critical as we roll out our civil society testing campaign as part of the national HIV counselling and testing revitalization plan.”
Steve Letsike, Deputy Chairperson, South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) and Chairperson, SANAC Civil Society Forum
“This campaign addressed one of the major challenges in the national AIDS response. An estimated one of three adults in Botswana have never tested for HIV and do not know their HIV status. This is an initial step in reaching the Fast-Track Targets; the lessons learned will shape future efforts in promoting HIV testing and counselling and the links with treatment and care services.”
Sun Gang, Country Director UNAIDS, Botswana
‘’I decided to get tested so that I could be aware of my HIV status. I have big dreams that I would like to achieve in life like everybody else and I want to stay healthy and prevent myself from HIV infection. I also encourage my friends and fellow young people to go for HIV testing regularly and take control of their lives.’’
Keisha Eldred Mushi, HIV testing and counselling campaign participant, Dar es Saalam, United Republic of Tanzania
