Luth and Doug have known each other for 18 months. Before getting more serious in their relationship, those 60 year-olds do the wisest thing one could do at any age: they are getting tested for HIV. They are given pre-testing advice, knowing that results will be available within 15 minutes, as well as guidance on how to live with the outcome, whatever it might be.

The introduction of rapid testing has made an enormous difference to the wide spread population of Namibia: results are available on the spot. This is encouraging even more people to come forward as they no longer have to make several journeys to the clinic to find out their status.

There are over 300 health centres in Namibia, a quarter of them, such as the "New Start Centers", offering rapid testing with support from the Global Fund through the Ministry of Health in partnership with faith-based or community organizations.

After a few minutes, Luth and Doug get what they were hoping for: a new start for their young love affair. "I want to jump in the air", says Luth.

Learn more about Voluntary Counseling and Testing in Namibia with Ismelda Pietersen, Assistant National VCT Coordinator for the Ministry of Health.   Windows Media | MP3 | Transcript