About 2,000 people joined in a colorful march, organized by AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) and other partners, through the streets of Tuxtla Gutierrez, in Mexico’s state of Chiapas on Dec. 1 to commemorate World AIDS Day 2009.

The city, which simultaneously hosted Mexico’s 2009 National Conference on AIDS, was chosen by AHF as the location of the premier event for its Testing Millions campaign in Latin America. So far 639 people have been tested for HIV in with 8 preliminary positive results. Those individuals who tested positive have each been referred for follow up care and treatment.

In addition to the parade, World AIDS Day activities included free rapid HIV testing, the distribution of testing incentives including T-shirts and dog tags as well as free AHF-branded LOVE Condoms from the “CONDOMOVIL”, a prevention and condom distribution van which ordinarily travels throughout Mexico and other Latin American countries handing out condoms and HIV prevention information.

Patricia Campos, MD
Latin America Bureau Chief
AIDS Healthcare Foundation