AIDS Testing

Kathryn and I interviewed the health division at FH and talked to Clara how is the head of the Hiv/AIDS testing. She is young and loves what she does. She has a passion for the people and it is amazing to see her out in the field working. We got the privilege to go out with her and another nurse to do some testing in the community. Clara is very respected and has a gentle way with the people!

This is the first community church we stopped at to do the testing. FH has been working in this community for a while educating and counseling the people about Hiv/AIDS. It is something that needs to be educated about and then there is a big stigma that goes with it if there is any positive results. A person is at risk of being mistreated by the tribe or shunned. It is also devastating news if someones results come back positive so FH also offers counseling to those who need it. FH also supports the family members in dealing with their loved ones who have Hiv/AIDS. They make sure if there is kids involved that they will have a home if they become orphaned, etc.

We then went to a youth camp were a group of young kids spent a week learning about peer pressure, drugs and abstinence, ect. We also did testing here and same with this group, FH will be standing be to make sure these kids have the support they need.

Me getting to help a little. Each person had a number so I am writing their number on the test strip. The nurse then pokes the person's finger and places the drop of blood in the test strip. We wait a couple of minutes and then show them the results. In a couple weeks- FH will come back and test and make sure the results are acurate.