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First Person
Free community
counseling and testing
helps prevent the spread
of the virus
HIV test easy as one, two, three
Photo: Bita Rodrigues, USAID/Mozambique
These young girls in Monrovia, Liberia
received scholarships from USAID and
the US Ambassador to Liberia.
“Now, it is becoming
normal to get tested,
and it is very
important so I can take
steps for prevention
and take care of
myself and my family.”
Preciosa Joao Cossa, a married woman with three young children, lost her 19 year-old cousin to AIDS two years ago. Today, Cossa has come to the HIV/AIDS counseling and testing tent in a Maputo neighborhood market because she felt compelled to get tested herself. “When my cousin died, it was very sad because she was so sick and did not tell anyone,” said Cossa.
Despite a rise in both HIV/AIDS awareness and the disease’s prevalence rate—currently at 16%—Mozambicans remain hesitant to be tested. Throughout the country, people have limited access to health care services and often do not understand the importance of HIV testing. But for some, that’s beginning to change, thanks to USAID support.
“Now,” Cossa said, “it is becoming normal to get tested and it is very important so I can take steps for prevention and take care of myself and my family.”
USAID supports a community-based health program that provides easily accessible testing. Health workers travel into bustling neighborhood marketplaces, bus stops, and other busy areas in communities to offer free health and blood pressure screening and distribute free contraceptives. Following the initial screening, individuals are encouraged to receive a free HIV/AIDS test, where trained clinicians draw a blood sample and provide results within five minutes. While they wait, patients receive advice about preventing the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. In the event of a positive test, counselors tell them about treatment options. Each month, the program reaches more than 11,000 people.
On this day, Cossa emerged from the counseling and testing tent with a smile on her face. “I am very happy to know that I am not positive. I also learned more about it and can take steps to prevent HIV,” she said.
While the battle against HIV/AIDS presses on, knowledge is critical to help Mozambicans protect themselves. By bringing education and testing closer to people’s homes, USAID is more committed than ever to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS.
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