By placing a drop of blood on a specially treated strip, health workers are able to determine an individual’s HIV status in about 15 minutes.

February 23, 2009

Peace of Mind

HIV testing and counseling services help individuals make informed decisions about protecting their families and obtaining proper health care

Kulucitameri was a traditional birth attendant for many years and delivered numerous babies without wearing gloves. She recently learned HIV could be transmitted during birth and was worried that she was HIV-positive.

The worry seemed to cripple her. She even thought about committing suicide rather than dying slowly like several people with AIDS living in her community in Lira. Neighbors began to suspect that she might have the deadly disease, and she was often a target of discrimination.

Then Kulucitameri heard an announcement on the radio. Samaritan’s Purse was coming to her village to provide voluntary counseling and testing.

When we hear the words “global pandemic,” it’s easy to believe there’s nothing individuals can do to stop the spread of HIV. But there are practical ways to be involved. To learn more about what you can do, visit our BE THE VIRUS homepage.“I thought of going to the health center, but it seemed far, and I never had strength to move or walk,” she said.

Kulucitameri watched as a health worker drew blood and placed a drop on a specially treated strip. Rapid HIV tests do not require laboratory facilities or highly trained medical professionals and take approximately 15 minutes to determine a result.

Northern Uganda is very rural, and many people don’t have access to local clinics. If they are already ill, it is even more difficult for them to be tested. Mobile testing brings the service to them. When they know their status, they can make informed decisions about protecting their families and obtaining proper health care.

Trained counselors also join our staff during mobile clinic outreaches to provide emotional and spiritual support.

In the two months since the project began, 10,000 people have been tested in rural communities in the Lira district.

Kulucitameri was overjoyed when her result came back negative.

“I am now very happy and have peace in my heart,” she said. “I am going to encourage those who are not sure of their HIV status to go for testing.”

This article was featured in PrayerPoint, the bimonthly prayer digest of Samaritan's Purse. A subscription to PrayerPoint is free with your gift of any amount.