Everything you always wanted to know about HIV testing but were too afraid to ask

HIV under a microscope

Why should I get tested?

Getting counselled and tested for HIV gives you the opportunity to plan for a better, healthier life, whether you test positive or not. At Carryou, all the staff you encounter, from the receptionist to the counsellor, make every effort to ensure the process is as comfortable as possible.
Clients can come back for follow up counselling if they need it.

Is it confidential?

Yes. Absolutely. When you arrive at a Carryou testing facility, our volunteers will welcome you and open a consent form for you. This form is always kept secure, confidential and locked away.

What does the counselling process involve?

Carryou uses highly-trained, counsellor-testers who provide both HIV testing and counselling services. Your counsellor will take you through the pre-test counselling, administer the HIV test and provide post-test counselling and support for you.
During the pre-test counselling the counsellor will ensure you understand the facts about HIV and AIDS and you are encouraged to ask questions. Your counsellor will also discuss past behaviour that could have put you at risk and will work with you to come up with a risk-reduction plan. You will also discuss the test process and possible test results. If you decide to proceed with testing, you will be asked to consent to an HIV test that will then be administered.

How is the test carried out?

Blood is drawn from a relatively painless, tiny finger-prick. The results are returned in around 15 minutes.

What if I test negative?

Should you test negative, the counsellor will discuss with you, plans to help you maintain your negative status. Should you have, in any way, potentially been exposed to HIV shortly before you were tested, you will be encouraged to return for retesting.

What happens if I test positive?

If a client tests positive the counsellor will discuss ways to remain healthy and effectively manage the virus. The client is also referred to the nearest clinic for further post-test support and care-services, including ARV therapy. Clients return for follow up counselling, if they so wish and are encouraged to bring their spouses or partners for counselling and testing.

How old must you be to be tested at Carryou?

Carryou does not test clients below the age of 14, without the consent of the biological parents or legal guardian.

For further information call Carryou Ministry at 011 412 2013

Addressing local organisations and business people about HIV-infection in Randfontein

 Recently, Mzi Tshikitsha, Project Leader of the Testing and Social Mobilisation Programme, an initiative operated in partnership with the Gauteng Department of Health, had the opportunity to address members of the Randfontein Publicity Association (RPA).
 The RPA is comprised of local businesses, schools, NGOs and churches and, amongst other events, holds monthly networking meetings.
 "We conducted over a thousand screenings at the Randfontein Show, earlier in the year," says Mzi, "and discovered there is a significant number of HIV-positive people in the local white community. It quickly became obvious, more education and intervention is urgently required in this sector of our society.
 "HIV and AIDS is not confined to poverty-stricken areas and knows no colour lines," Mzi told the RPA members. "Our youth in particular, are at risk and we need to educate them to alter their behaviour and encourage them to be safe and responsible."
 He urged schools, NGOs and businesses to make use of the free services offered by Carryou Ministry and the Department of Health.
 "For example, if the school your kids attend, is putting on a sports event, let us set up a gazebo where kids and parents can ask questions and get educational literature," he says.
 "Invite us to address the congregation and youth at your church. Knowlege and education could save the life of your child."



If you would like to learn more about the Carryou Ministry Testing and Social Mobilisation Programme, or make use of their services, call Carryou at 011 412 2013
 

Free testing, a huge success at the Randfontein Show

We know we've published this picture before but we're just so darn proud!

 The dust has settled after the Randfontein Show, we've managed to catch our collective breath and take the time needed to study and digest the effects and results achieved at the Show.
 "Our participation was an unqualified success," says Mzi Tskikitsha, Programme Manager of the Testing and Social Mobilisation Programme, an initiative operated in partnership with the Gauteng Department of Health.
 "To be honest, we were somewhat nervous before, as we've operated mostly in the Black community and knew, a large proportion of show-visitors are white. We did not know what to expect or how we'd be received.
 "But we need not have worried. The response was fantastic. Over 900 people, approximately two thirds of whom were women, made use of the free testing and screening services on offer," he says.

 Counselled

 On-the-spot tests were done for HIV, high blood-pressure and high blood-sugar and, where necessary, people were counselled by trained counsellors and referred to clinics and other medical facilities.
 "What we discovered is, there may be a misconception that HIV is not a problem in the white community," says Mzi. "But a surprising number of people tested positive and it is obvious, a great deal of work needs to be done and we are already formulating plans to do so.
 "Urgent intervention is required."
 A highlight of the Randfontein Show was when the Carryou/Gauteng Department of Health, screening and testing stall was awarded second place in its category.
 "This is an amazing achievement, as it was the first time we had a stand at the show," says Mzi.
 "The award made us feel appreciated, gave us confidence and filled us with pride. It made us feel a part of the whole community."

Testing and screening at the Randfontein Show

 The Randfontein Show, held every year in the town, is the third largest show of its kind in South Africa.
 It draws thousands of visitors from the West Rand, Pretoria and other parts of South Africa and is the highlight of the area's annual social calendar.
 And this year, Carryou Ministry, in partnership with the Gauteng Department of Health, will have a stall as part of the Testing and Social Mobilisation campaign.
 Show-goers will have access to a variety of free screening and testing for conditions such as HIV, sugar diabetes, TB and high blood pressure.

Questions

Mzi Tshikitsha

 "There will be qualified counsellors on hand to answer questions and provide guidance," says Project Manager, Mzi Tshikitsha, "as well as opportunities to be educated about health problems, living a healthy lifestyle and the latest in treatment and prevention protocols. I urge visitors to the Show to call in at our stall and make full use of the facilities available."

 The Randfontein Show takes place at the Greenhills Sports Stadium from Wednesday 4 March to Sunday 8 March. Make a note in your diary. For more information about the Randfontein Show, programme details, ticket prices etc. point your browser at http://www.randfonteininfo.co.za/rftnshow.html

Carryou partners with the Department of Health in life-saving screening and testing programme

Testing includes, HIV, hypertension, diabetes and pap smears

 Carryou Ministry recently received funding from the Department of Health to embark on a programme of mobile testing and health screening that will help save lives in the Randfontein area.
 "We visit factories and communities where trained team members test for HIV, diabetes and hypertension. In addition, a sister from the clinic does pap smears," says Mzi Tshikitsha, manager of the programme.
 "Last month 1 170 people were tested and referred for further where necessary. The initiative has been immensely successful and well-supported. Bringing services right to the people make it much more convenient and quicker than having to go to a clinic."
 The current programme is scheduled to run until the end of March 2015.

Mzi Tshikitsha

The team