“The OraQuick rapid HIV test can detect antibodies in as fast as 20 minutes, and it is available for free at the Commonwealth Health Center,” Moreno said.
Before, clients had to wait for at least two weeks before the results will arrive from Hawaii.
“Just imagine the agony of waiting for two weeks for the results to be in to know if you are in trouble or not, or if you have been exposed to HIV,” Moreno said.
From 1997 to the present, a total of 29 individuals have tested positive for human immunodeficiency virus or HIV in the CNMI from 1997 to 2010. Four of the 29 have already died, two of them children with HIV-positive mothers.
Of the 25 clients left, only eight are under the HIV/STD prevention program and receiving support, primary care, medical and social services.
In 2008, Moreno said HIV became CNMI-wide, with clients coming in from Tinian and Rota.
He said the community must discuss this issue.
“HIV is a topic that is not easy to talk to with people. It is considered as a very private disease and this is one of the challenges of our campaign,” Moreno said.
They advertise in newspapers, radio and television to send the message that there is a program available for those who are not sure if they have been affected with HIV.
Moreno said they also work with the Public School System, and talk with teenagers and youth groups.
“There is a stigma attached to people who are HIV positive. People are afraid of them, even some nurses and professionals,” Moreno said.
“These clients are still a part of our community and we need to take care of them. It’s really that connection with our community that they are looking for.”
Moreno said the identities of those who get HIV testing will remain confidential.
“When you are infected with HIV you can actually lengthen your life by lowering the number of viruses by taking lifelong medications. HIV prevention is the better choice,” he said.
When you test positive, you will be asked to take a confirmatory test which is the standard procedure in health care system.
Moreno said a client who turned positive for HIV said all his/her partners are here on island.
For more information, visit CHC or the Women’s Clinic at Navy Hill Building N-29, or call 664-4050 or 234-8950.
