WHY TEST?
You may say: I am not at risk and do not need a test....
Or you may say: I don’t want to know my status as I cannot do anything about it if I am positive anyway.
These and many other misconceptions are simply not true!
Read more here >>
THIS TESTING CENTRE IS CURRENTLY CLOSED - SEE DETAILS BELOW FOR SUPPORT GROUP WHICH IS STILL RUNNING FOR THOSE WHO ARE HIV POSITIVE ONLY
FREE HIV TESTING CENTRE IN SEA POINT
OUR GOAL - for everyone to get tested and know their status and in doing so destigmatize AIDS and prevent the spread of the virus.
PLACE:
30 Main Road, Sea Point (between CNA & Woolworth Food) in the Life Church building
TIMES:
Times: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 10.30am-3.30pm and Tuesdays 1.30pm-6.30pm.
COST:
Free for those who cannot afford it (donations welcomed for those who can)
SUPPORT GROUP: Interactive support group for HIV+ only on the third Saturday per month. Call Johan Obbes on 072-2647320 for details.
Since inception of the testing centre in August 2004,
we have tested 17000 people!
- Thanks to our Donors
iThemba AIDS Foundation
We offer:
- free and confidential testing and counseling
- on-going counseling
- referral letters to doctors/clinics for ARVs
- referrals to HIV support services in their area (website & map)
- HIV+ buddies to those infected
- initial support – food, accommodations, transport
- spiritual support - prayer
- after-hour service on Tuesdays until 6.30pm
- walk-in service
- a non-threatening environment
- resources
If the client tests HIV positive we:
- immediately give them a referral letter to a doctor or closest clinic to get their CD 4 count established and have their medical options explained.
- encourage them to improve their lifestyle choices ie.diet, sexual practices, exercise in order to live longer (especially women who will be around longer to look after their children) and provide positive living booklets.
- do a needs analysis to see where we are able to support the client
- have an open door policy and encourage them to come back for counseling or a cup of tea as often as they wish.
- introduce them to a ‘buddy’ when they are ready. The buddy is HIV+ and available to chat and walk the road with them
- provide other support referrals in their domicile area using our website/map database.
- on-site support group one Saturday afternoon of the month. Contact Johan Obbes 072-2647320 for information.
If the client tests HIV negative we:
- would like to believe the testing process and often nerve-racking wait of 15 minutes for results as well as the one-on-one educational counseling session will have an impact on the client staying negative.
- provide a literature pack for further information
- ask them to share the fact they have been tested to their friends and family and encourage them to also do so.
We monitor our services with a feedback form.
