A groundbreaking global effort led by AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) to test one million people for HIV as part of a global testing campaign tied to the recent observance of World AIDS Day (December 1st) has far surpassed its goal by testing more than 1.5 million people and identifying more than 61,000 HIV-positive individuals in more than 25 countries around the world. The ambitious month-long campaign spearheaded by AHF, the largest AIDS group in the US, also shattered myths and prejudices concerning the use of streamlined HIV testing and counseling models as well as the mass mobilization of targeted groups and populations who would benefit from such free HIV testing and counseling. The 61,000 positives identified out of the more than 1.5 million people tested resulted in an overall 3.9% sero-positivity rate.

"Our 'One Million Tests' campaign exceeded its goal by more than half a million tests, a truly remarkable accomplishment. In the process, over 61,000 HIV-positive individuals were identified and referred to treatment," said Michael Weinstein, President of AIDS Healthcare Foundation, "I am gratified by the success of our campaign, which demonstrates what can be achieved by using new HIV testing models as well as mass mobilization efforts. With so many millions of lives at stake, we need to educate and encourage people to test. As public health leaders, we need to be bold and open-minded to save lives."

"Sincere thanks to all the NGOs, government agencies, partners and individuals around the world who joined us to help make the 'One Million Tests' World AIDS Day campaign a resounding success," said Terri Ford, Director of Global Advocacy for AHF and Coordinator of the 'One Million Tests' campaign…