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OECS
Secretariat supports efforts to help lessen the turn around
time for HIV test results
(OECS Secretariat, Castries St. Lucia) March 4, 2008:
The OECS Secretariat, in collaboration with OECS Member
countries is considering approaches towards further
facilitating rapid testing for the prevention and treatment
of HIV/AIDS.
The task is for countries to bolster their testing and
counseling services whereby pre-test counseling, the actual
HIV Test, post-test counseling and the provision of test
results can be done with a faster turn around time for the
patient. Considerations are being made to assist countries
in transitioning from the sole use of Eliza Tests to the use
of Rapid Tests on a larger scale.
Shirl Smith is the Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist at
the OECS
Secretariat’s
HIV/AIDS Programme Unit (HAPU):“If we are not able to reach
persons within a three week period that’s an indicator for
us that we need to do a better job of following up with
persons more quickly. We hope the more widespread use of
rapid tests will encourage more persons to be tested and
know their HIV status. With a shorter turn around time,
providers can also follow-up with clients more quickly and
thereby minimize the amount of anxiety or discomfort a
person might have with coming to receive their test
results.”
The Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist says this is part
of targets negotiated under the Global Fund agreement; Phase
Two of which started in August 2007: “Timeliness for us is a
major priority of phase two and we are working with
countries to facilitate a transition to the use of Rapid
Tests. Test kits are being funded and provided through the
Caribbean Regional Epidemiology Centre. With support from
the Global Fund we will be assisting countries to further to
look at how again to help shorten the turn around time by
the increased use of these Rapid Tests and to make testing
counseling services in general more accessible as well as
appealing to those who are accessing those services.”-Smith
The process of Monitoring and Evaluation is a critical
component in the treatment of HIV and Aids in the OECS. The
OECS Secretariat’s HIV/AIDS Programme Unit collaborates with
National Aids Programme Coordinators in OECS member
countries under the Global Fund agreement, towards enhancing
health care for persons infected with and affected by the
disease.
Secretariat’s
HIV/AIDS Programme Unit (HAPU):“If we are not able to reach
persons within a three week period that’s an indicator for
us that we need to do a better job of following up with
persons more quickly. We hope the more widespread use of
rapid tests will encourage more persons to be tested and
know their HIV status. With a shorter turn around time,
providers can also follow-up with clients more quickly and
thereby minimize the amount of anxiety or discomfort a
person might have with coming to receive their test
results.”