Straight Talk, May/June 2011
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STEP
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Testing for V is simple. t takes about one and a half hours. Aloyo Mary, 18, tested for V at Gulu Youth Centre and takes us through the steps.
Mother's death
M Aloyo, 18, Gulu, says:
“I’m a virgin but I don’tknow what killed my mum.When Red Cross came toour school, I tested to besure. I quaked and prayedeveryday for negativeresults. I was psychologically tortured for a month. Whenresults came, they were negative. I was so happy. I went to churchto thank God.”
Unprotectedsex
“I had unprotectedsex. After sometimeI heard that my girlfriend
was taken to a lab roomwhere a blood sample wastaken. t took about threeminutes.Later attended a health talkwhile waiting for my results.The counsellor talked aboutV prevention, living positively,body changes and sexuality. Sheencouraged us to ask questions.t took about 30 minutes for results to come out.
BeforeI was given result, I wascounselled again
and toldto go back after three monthsfor another test. was advisedto abstain or use condomcorrectly every time have sex.
was welcomedby a receptionistand told her that wanted to testfor V. She gavePHDIRUPWR¿OOand a number.
had had sex with an infectedman. I was scared. I felt likeeveryone knew my problem.So I decided to go to test.Luckily I tested negative. I wasso relieved and ran home totell my mother. I will neverhave unprotected sex again.”
S Okubal , 16, Halcyon HS,Soroti
Strange rash
D Ithungu,16,S2, Rwenzori HS, Kasese, says:
"I’m happy I know my HIV status.I developed astrange rash and wanted to know thecause. I encourage
took the form to the counsellor
.
Hecounselled me.
e asked if was in arelationship, sexually active, lost a partner or parents. e also asked what would doif tested positive. said would accept theresults and get treatment, care and support.No one else listened to our conversation.
Pastor Andrew Mwenge,ampala BaptistChurch,says:
If you haveIV, don’t lose hope.There are many thingsin life to celebrate.
evelop a dream and workWRDFKLHYHLW%HFRQ¿GHQWook beyond the humanlabels that society mayplace on you. avesomething to contributeto humanity. ou canbecome a change agent.Encourage others whostruggle with stigma.
z
ave you ever had sexwith someone whose
status you did not know?
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ave you ever had sexwithout a condom?
z
ave you ever had morethan one sexual partner?
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o you start a sexualrelationship soon after meeting a person?
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hile in a sexual relation-ship do you start a newone?
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ave you ever takenalcohol before having sexand you don’t remember whether you used acondom or not?
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ave you ever given or received sex in exchangefor money gifts or favours?
z
o you ever use twocondoms at the same time?
z
o you have a parentliving with or have youlost a parent and don’tknow what he/she died of?
If you answered ‘yes’ toany of these questions, youare at risk of HIV infection.Go for HIV counselling and testing at the nearest healthcentre.
STEP
1
STEP
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Test if you
are
at risk
From having unprotected sex, sharing sharp objects to just wanting to know their HIV status, straight talkersshare their reasons for choosing to test or not testfor HIV.
everyone to test and pick their results.”
Shared sharp objects
L Birungi, 16, S3, St MbugaVocational SS, Kampala, says:
“I used to share safety pins, needles and razorblades with my cousin. Shetested HIV positive. I wasscared. I went to KabaroleHospital and tested negative.I’m now very careful.”
I Omak, 19, S6, Rock HS,Tororo, says:
"I have testedthree times to encourageothers do the same. I havea boyfriend but we have nothad sex. We are abstaining from sex until marriage.”
No t ye t te s ted
T a a k a B r e nd a, 19, S5, B u h o b e SS, B u s i a, s a y s:
“ I'm p la n n i ng to test f or H I V. I had a bo y f r ie nd w ho w as not f a it h f u l."
T a b o J o h n, 15, S 2, B ud u m b a SS, B u t a l e j j a, s a y s:
“ I ha ve not tested beca use t he hos p ita lis ver y f ar. I f I g et a c ha nce, I w i ll test f or peace o f m i nd.”
V N e l i m a, 18, B u t i r u M od e l S c h o o l, M b a l e, s a y s:
" I ha ve not tested. I do n't w a nt to l i ve a m isera b le l if e w orr y i ng a bo ut deat h i f I test pos it i ve.
Edi tor:
Tes ting helps you o vercomefear and an xie t y. You ge t morein forma tion abou t HI V and make in formed decision on sa fer se x. You change your be-ha viour. I f you tes t HI V posi- ti ve you s tar t trea tmen t earl y for aheal thier, s trong and lon-ger li fe.
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eviewed by
Dr Agolor Curthbert, Mildmay
Uganda
Use yourHIV resultsto makehealthydecisions
Coo l bo ys ta ke care o f t he ir hea l t h.
STEP
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STEP
5
z
If you both test negativeor positive it does notmean you should start sexcontinue abstaining.
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If you are sexually activeand test negative thinkof safer sex to protect yourselves from I/STs. You never know when your partner willbecome unfaithful. Besidescondoms protect you frompregnancy.
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If both of youtest positive and you aresexually active use condomscorrectly every time you havesex to avoid getting more or another type of I.
Bravoto all of you whohavetested.
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