Jersey charity aims to build on success of Recent Anti-HIV Initiative

A recent initiative that challenged people in Jersey to 'get protected' against HIV has resulted in a 200% increase in the number of Islanders who are now 'protected' from the illness.

As part of the 'HIV in Jersey it is real, it is here. Take responsibility' campaign, run by local charity AIDS Care Education and Training (ACET) Jersey and supported by Standard Chartered Bank, representatives from both organisations took to the streets of St Helier last month offering the public the chance to take a quiz designed to dispel common myths about HIV and AIDS. As a result of the initiative, a total of over 300 Islanders have now completed the quiz, an increase of over 200.

Everyone who successfully completed the quiz as part of the initiative was entered into a draw to win an Apple iPad, donated by Standard Chartered. Richard Ingle, Chief Executive of Standard Chartered in Jersey randomly drew the lucky winner, 18 year old Anthony Regan, an apprentice electrician.

We were delighted with the response to the campaign:

"We had such a positive response from those who undertook the quiz and it is extremely encouraging that Islanders, particularly young people, are willing to learn about HIV. HIV is in Jersey and we cannot afford to be complacent, I am delighted that so many people took time out of their day last month to have a chat with us and learn the simple facts about HIV. We will continue to build on the success of this campaign throughout the year and hopefully continue to increase the number of those who are protected."

Richard Ingle commented:

"ACET Jersey has done a fantastic job of reaching out to Islanders, helping them to consider HIV and understand the facts.  HIV awareness is an issue that Standard Chartered takes very seriously and I was delighted that our staff were able to assist with this great initiative. Congratulations also must go to Anthony for winning the Apple iPad, we are pleased to donate such a fantastic prize in recognition of his participation in this campaign."

The 'HIV in Jersey' quiz is still available to take online at www.acet.je.

Updated September 2011

Jersey charity aims to build on success of Recent Anti-HIV Initiative