The general consensus among
those fighting AIDS worldwide is that HIV testing should be
carried out voluntarily, with the consent of the individual
concerned. This view has been supported by the Indian
government and NACO, who have helped to establish of
hundreds of voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) centres
in India. Although voluntary testing is officially supported
in India, some states have tried to implement policies that
would force people to be tested for HIV against their will.
In Goa and now in Maharashtra,
the state government recently planned to make HIV tests
compulsory before marriage, and in Punjab it has been
proposed that all people wishing to obtain or retain a
driver’s license should be tested for HIV. Neither of these
plans has come to pass, but they have concerned activists,
who argue that HIV testing should never be imposed on people
against their wishes. However we are of the opinion that If
the governments don't make a law in this regards, it is upto
us to get tested before Marriage and enjoy a risk free life.
. WHERE TO GET TESTED ?
HIV testing sites are spread
out all over the country. In large cities, rural areas, in
hospitals and in clinics, HIV testing is available. The key
is trying to find the HIV testing site that best suits you.
Testing is Not Enough - You Also Need HIV Test
Counseling.
When you are looking for an HIV testing site, it's important
to find a testing site that also provides HIV test
counseling before and after your test. Certified HIV test
counselors provide important information about safer sex,
HIV risk reduction, and how to incorporate those things into
your relationship. The also help explain your results and
what they mean for your future. If you are HIV positive they
are trained to assist in those first hours and days after
learning of your diagnosis. Finally, test counselors will
help you get into HIV care as soon after your results as
possible.
Cartoon on AIDS TEST by
Artist Dhiru Mane (www.artaste.in)
Whether your test is positive
or negative, test counselors are a very important part of
the testing process. So much so that some states require HIV
testing professionals to be certified in pre and post-test
counseling. In addition, they can help you understand the
meaning of the test results and describe what AIDS-related
resources are available in the local area.
Important Fact!
Make sure you choose a testing site that has pre and
post test counseling on site.
.
Afraid of Test results ?
The only serious answer to this situation is what would you
do if your doctor told you that you had diabetes? Would you
ignore it or treat it? What if it was prostate cancer? Would
you treat it or ignore it? What if it was pneumonia? What if
it was MS? It is just a disease my friend, and right now we
are a bit unlucky that it is not completely curable but
still it is treatable in a fashion that may prevent you from
becoming seriously ill for many many many years. To ignore
any illness is foolish.
