Time to Be Responsible
Starting today, a fantastic initiative begins in South Africa, and it has the support of the South African Council of Shopping Centres.
The “I Am Responsible” campaign seeks to establish rapid HIV testing clinics at shopping centers across South Africa. The country has the highest number of HIV positive citizens globally, and a relatively low rate of testing. A lack of information and a lack of readily-available testing locations are partially to blame, and I Am Responsible is looking to eliminate those problems.
Shopping centers are being asked to donate a space where employees and shoppers could visit to learn about HIV, be tested, and receive counseling as necessary. Community Mobilizers will be on hand at participating shopping centers to hand out pamphlets and lollipops to encourage shoppers to stop in and be responsible by knowing their HIV status.
The aim is to test 500,000 people in 2010.
