Test Your Way, Do it Today-HIV/STD Testing week

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It’s HIV and STD testing week.

The underlying message is one MUST get tested to determine if they have HIV/AIDS or other sexually transmitted disease.

This year’s theme is “Test your way, do it today,” a call for everyone to act now, get tested and avoid serious or even deadly consequences later.

Speaking on the Samoa Sunrise Show, Chairman of the HIV AIDS and STDs Community Coalition, Father Kelemete Pua’auli said unlike other diseases with noticeable symptoms, a person may have HIV and not know it, unless they get tested.

Play Audio Father-Kelemete-AIDS-testing

Information on HIV and STD testing is available from the Department of Health.

Board Secretary Magdalene Augafa Leauanae said that the testing is fast, free and confidential.

Deputy Director of Health Farrah Utu told KHJ News that American Samoa still has the same data on HIV cases. Two HIV cases and both contracted the virus off island then moved here.

Among activities that the Community Coalition on HIV Aids and STDs is holding to promote testing week is a wave at the Su’igaula o le Atuvasa Friday morning at 6:00.

The coalition also welcomes requests from youth groups, women’s councils, aumaga and other groups for presentations on HIV/AIDs and STDs.

Anyone wishing to get tested or any organization interested in an awareness outreach may call 633-2437.