Panama launches HIV-AIDS prevention program
(Xinhua) PANAMA CITY -- Panamanian authorities launched on Friday a program on HIV-AIDS prevention.
The project included more than 1,000 free HIV tests, which would provide the public with information on the prevention of the virus.
The Panamanian Health Ministry launched this campaign called "Make the test" at the University of Panama, which attracted hundreds of youngsters.
Yira Ibarra, chief of the HIV-AIDS program, said this initiative aimed to make sexually active middle-aged people and those vulnerable to AIDS be aware of the diseases.
Ibarra said that the tests take some 20 minutes with the "Ora Quick" and it is done with a small pinch in one of the patients' fingers.
Up to now, 9,000 patients have been infected with the HIV, most of whom were aged between 20 and 45.
*********
Original Source: http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-06/13/content_11535687.htm
Date Retrieved: June 13, 2009.
