Are Aids tests free?

mishugana · #1 10-21-2009, 10:54 AM

Does the government provide free tests?

Hillbilly · #2 10-21-2009, 01:27 PM

Yes. There are many places that do these tests. COPRESIDA (?) is the president's group that works with AIDS..

HB

mishugana · #3 10-21-2009, 02:13 PM

mucho gracias

dv8 · #4 10-21-2009, 05:38 PM

it is CEPROSH - Centro de Promociòn y Solidaridad Humana
http://www.ceprosh.org/
they do free aids tests and provide free contraception.

blanca · #5 10-21-2009, 06:56 PM

What happens if ? you are positive ? do you get kicked out of the country?

dv8 · #6 10-21-2009, 07:06 PM

if you are positive you cannot get residencia but it is not a ground for deportation...

las2137 · #7 10-21-2009, 08:08 PM

I assume you are looking for an HIV (VIH in Spanish) test, which is different from an "AIDS test". The HIV test measures your antibodies or T-cell count, which shows if your body is fighting the HIV virus.

AIDS is caused by HIV and determined by the number of CD4 cells, which is a different test. The "AIDS test" is usually only administered to people already known to be HIV+.

I had to get an HIV test for my Dominican work visa. I got it at a private clinic. I was SHOCKED when the driver for my organization went to pick up my results (without my knowledge) and got them without any problem. So much for confidentiality!

windeguy · #8 10-21-2009, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by las2137

I had to get an HIV test for my Dominican work visa. I got it at a private clinic. I was SHOCKED when the driver for my organization went to pick up my results (without my knowledge) and got them without any problem. So much for confidentiality!

Just another example of the fact that "we are not in Kansas" with respect to privacy laws.

I am shocked that in a Catholic country there is an organization that provides free contraception. I was pleasantly surprised to see that. I only wish that more would take advantage of that. Also glad to see that there is free testing available for HIV.

RonS · #9 10-22-2009, 08:37 AM

I am certainly not one to make apologies for the Catholic Church, but the problem with the availability of HIV/AIDS testing and with actually getting people tested for HIV, is prevalent in non-Catholic countries as well. One only need look at many African countries. Privacy is a really big issue, and I am not sure how that issue can be effectively addressed. The people who need to be tested know full well that a positive result will be known in thier community, place of employment, etc., and that they are likely to suffer adverse consequences as a result. Sadly, those who need medical attention go without testing and treatment and they die horribly.