Love Test Campaign

According to PSI, the name 'love test' was chosen because it speaks of mutual devotion and respect. HIV testing campaigns have often relied on messages that induce fear, however the PSI Swaziland campaign instead suggests that testing is an act of love. The campaign poster reflects these ideals: it presents a drawing of a man kneeling before a woman, like he is proposing marriage.

Campaign messages are being distributed through radio talkshows, and print advertisements, as well as through live performances.

Individuals or couples coming for a love test are offered a 30-minute counselling session regardless of their test result. If results show one or both partners are HIV positive, PSI offers longer-term free counselling.

For more information, click here to watch a video about the Love Test Campaign on YouTube.

HIV/AIDS

According to the PSI, Swaziland has an HIV prevalence rate of 26%, and only one in four people know their HIV status. Prior to the campaign, only two percent of people tested did so as couples. Since the campaign began in 2009, the number of couples testing has more than tripled. Neighbouring countries are also showing interest in adapting the campaign.

Research has shown that HIV couple testing is one of the most efficient prevention methods, because if the couple is discordant, there is then a chance to avoid the transmission to the other partner by counselling on prevention methods. Also when both partners are educated about HIV at the same time, they tend to work together on changing their behaviour.