A majority of those were mandatory testing for work permits. Which therefore means the average person reading this article was not tested and does not know their official status. Unless you have never partaken in any sexual act; sexual activity being the main mode of transmission here in the TCI, there is a possibility that you may have come into contact with the HIV virus.

The Rap Port group conducts many sessions on HIV within the community. Quite often we hear people say they rather not get tested because they don’t want to know. If they found out they were HIV positive then their whole world will change. Well guess what…knowing your HIV status can make a difference in living one more day or one year less.

In recent years there have been huge developments in treatment for persons living with HIV that allow them to have the life span of any healthy individual. Lack of treatment and healthcare is what might shorten your life. The earlier you detect the virus in you the better your chances are at surviving.

We also find that a lot of people refuse to get tested because they fear a lack of privacy in the health profession. Healthcare providers have made major steps to over-hauling any discrepancies with divulging information on patient care. The HIV virus is not a death sentence but a call to action. Please...get tested.

By Chandra Craigg

The Rap Port TCI