Nurse advises public to undergo HIV/AIDS test

A retired public health nurse has urged the general public to undergo HIV/AIDS test to know their status She said the results of their tests would be confidential, so they must gather courage and go for it. Mrs Theodora Okyere who made the call, said there are well trained and experienced nurses to counsel those who would test positive of HIV/AIDS to extend their lifespan. She was speaking at the opening of a weeklong workshop on HIV/AIDS counseling and testing for stakeholders and community-based organizations, which was organized by the Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana (PPAG) in Sunyani on Tuesday. Mrs Okyere appealed to the public to desist from stigmatizing HIV/AIDS sufferers to help minimize the spread of the pandemic. She explained that pre- and post counseling were very vital in the fight against HIV/AIDS since it could help victims to cope with situations associated with the pandemic. Mrs Okyere stressed the importance of educating the public about the mode of transmission, signs and symptoms as well as the consequences of the pandemic, to enable the public to eschew all forms of sexual promiscuity. The participants would be lectured on topics such as behavioral change, communication, factors facilitating counseling, basic skills in counseling, stigma and discrimination and psychological support.