PROGRAMME TITLE: THE WAY WE ARE
BROADCAST DATE: MAY 27, 2006
BROADCAST TIME:  1815HRS – 1830HRS
PRESENTER:  NED ELUE
PRODUCER:  ‘MUYIWA OJEKUNLE

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HIV TESTING

VOX POP-CUE IN & OUT: “Actually, I think I won’t love to go…for me I’d just go and know my status”

NED: People have a right to know their HIV status, and testing and counseling should be widely accessible through innovative, ethical and practical model delivery. HIV testing and counseling are entry points to HIV related-care and prevention services, and provide opportunities for people to reduce their risk of getting infected or transmitting HIV…

Because its your right to know about issues that touch your life directly or indirectly as young people, it’s time once again for us to share so as to be well-informed on THE WAY WE ARE, a 15-minute enlightenment programme that focuses on HIV/AIDS, the challenges and aspirations of people living with the virus, as well as society’s response to the epidemic.

I am NED ELUE, welcoming you to THE WAY WE ARE

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NED: This is the platform where views are heard and shared. Growing up, I’ve heard people say… “You may not be able to control what happens to you” but pondering on this, one can come to a conclusion that…you are completely responsible for your reaction to what happens to you. So, today we zero our minds on knowing our status.
Come to think of it, if you were being asked to do an HIV test to determine your status, would you surrender yourself?

VOX-POP-CUE IN & OUT: “I’ll like to know…after I’d get the encouragement to go”

NED: If you’re just joining us, this is THE WAY WE ARE and our telephone line is open. Let us know by calling 8168463 if you’d ever go for an HIV test to know your status. Make your views are heard now by calling us on 8168463. Joining me to look at this issue is SENAMI IDOWU

SENAMI: The only way to know your HIV status for sure is to be tested for HIV antibodies -- proteins the body produces in an effort to fight off infection. This usually requires a blood sample. If a person's blood has HIV antibodies, that means the person is infected. Yet, some young people still shy away from their right to know. Why is this so?

Let’s just say, one understands why an individual runs away when it comes to knowing his/her HIV status, but what do you have to say about intending couples who don’t think its necessary to know their status? At least, I know an intending couple that cancelled their wedding due to the guy’s HIV test stand…

NED: What has privacy got to do with it?
Now, some people refuse to accept that they could really get infected with HIV/AIDS. This, I’d say, is called denial, when something is so difficult or scary to accept that your brain just tells you it s not true. Does that mean that some people are still ignorant of HIV/AIDS?

SENAMI: Knowing your HIV status could be one of the most important things to do and here are the top five reasons you SHOULD know your HIV status:

1. Early intervention means a healthier life
   The key to living a healthy life with HIV is being diagnosed early. Getting into the care of an HIV specialist is an essential part of staying healthy. Get tested and if you are positive, speak to an HIV specialist.
   
2. Protects both you and your partner
   Knowing your status allows you to protect your partner as well as yourself. Even if you are both positive, safer sex techniques must be followed.
   
3. Helps you to make informed decision
   Knowing your status allows you to make informed decisions regarding your future and your life. Women living with HIV can have the family they always wanted. Knowing you are HIV positive allows you to take steps to protect your unborn baby. This explains what you need to know before starting a family.
4. Gives you a chance to ask the right questions
   Knowing your body is an important part of living a healthy life. Get tested for HIV and if you are positive, ask the right questions.
   
5. Get the most of your doctor’s visit.

When you're not feeling well, your doctor will be better able to treat you if he has all the facts. If he knows your status, he can address the special needs your HIV demands. And it's up to you to get the most of your doctor visits.

NED: To round off, within communities affected by HIV, the widespread availability of voluntary HIV counseling and testing can help reduce fear and ignorance about HIV that lead to the stigma surrounding this infection. Voluntary Counseling and Testing programs can also promote community support of infected persons and help mobilize communities to encourage behavior changes that will reduce risk of HIV infection.

Thank you…….. For joining me on THE WAY WE ARE this lovely Saturday evening.
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NED: And that concludes this edition of THE WAY WE ARE. Be sure to keep a date with us for another HIV/AIDs related issue. I am NED ELUE

THE WAY WE ARE has been a MUYIWA OJEKUNLE production in collaboration with the POSITIVE YOUTHS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA and NigeriaHIVinfo.com

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