GrenCHAP, a human rights-based organization in Grenada, will be offering more free and confidential services for HIV counselling and rapid testing to individuals in Grenada for the remainder of 2021, on the following days from 10 am to 5 pm:
Sat, 27 Nov | Grenville Bus Terminal | Walk-ins only |
Sat, 04 Dec | Gouyave Health Centre | Walk-ins only |
Sat, 11 Dec | GrenCHAP Old Fort, St George (Downstairs Law Office of Celia Clyne) |
Appointments preferred WhatsApp or call 1 (473) 435-0585‬ |
Sat, 18 Dec | ||
Tue, 28 Dec |
The rapid test takes about 15 to 20 minutes per client. Our team of trained and certified counsellors and testers also provides information and educate people on how HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is transmitted and ways to reduce risks of contracting/transmitting the virus.
Getting tested is the only way to be sure about your HIV status, and it is crucial to detect infection in its early stages. When needed, we refer clients to other free and confidential services to access medication, regular health checks, counselling, and additional support.
HIV can be transmitted by coming into direct contact with bodily fluids from someone who is infected, such as semen, blood, vaginal and rectal fluids, and breast milk. Anyone can contract HIV if exposed to the virus. Factors that can increase the risk of transmission include having sex without using a condom correctly every time, multiple sexual partners, and anal sex.
People continue to live long, healthy and fulfilling lives with regular health checks and by taking antiretroviral medication as prescribed. In addition to Antiretroviral Therapy (ART), there is also medication that can significantly reduce infection risk: PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is taken by people at risk for HIV from sex or injection. PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) can be used in emergencies if someone is at high risk for exposure to HIV – for example, from sexual assault.
HIV attacks cells that help the body fight infection, making a person more vulnerable to other infections and diseases. If left untreated, it can lead to the advanced stage known as AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome). According to the Pan Caribbean Partnership against HIV/AIDS (PANCAP), an estimated 330,000 people were living with HIV in the Caribbean by the end of 2019.
GrenCHAP
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