Public health authorities in Suriname have launched a nationwide awareness campaign aimed at boosting HIV testing rates, responding to a documented increase in new infections and the persistent gap in public awareness of personal HIV status. Spearheaded by the country’s Ministry of Public Health, Welfare and Labor, the campaign officially kicked off on May 4 under the core slogan: “Know your status, get tested.”
Public health officials have flagged a growing, worrying trend: a large share of people living with HIV in the country remain unaware of their infection, putting them at greater risk of unknowingly transmitting the virus to sexual partners and delaying life-saving care. In line with this concern, the campaign prioritizes outreach to sexually active people and those planning to become sexually active, urging couples to get tested together as a shared health responsibility.
To remove barriers to testing, the campaign has added dozens of new testing sites across the country that offer free, confidential HIV testing administered by licensed healthcare professionals. These new accessible locations join existing testing hubs, including the Dermatology Department at Tourtonnelaan, the Trop Clinic in Geyersvlijt, multiple RGD polyclinics, and Medische Zending care centers. A number of local community organizations are also participating in the initiative, including the Stichting Liefdevolle Handen, Suriname Men United, and the Foundation He&HIV/Pluspunt, to expand reach to underserved groups.
The Ministry emphasized critical context about HIV care today: while untreated HIV can progress to AIDS and cause life-threatening complications, early detection through regular testing paired with modern treatment can stop further transmission of the virus and drastically improve long-term quality of life for people living with HIV. The campaign closes with a clear public call to action: all community members must take responsibility for their own health and the health of those around them by getting tested and knowing their status.