Keisha Shakespeare-Blackmore, Staff Reporter

Dr Muriel Lowe

This is the third in our series on the realities of HIV/AIDS.

Many persons living with HIV/AIDS have been scorned, abused, ostracised from their communities, places of employment and even homes. This sometimes results in their having to live on the streets or in deplorable conditions. Sometimes, the ostracism happens because their HIV-positive status has been disclosed without their consent.

In a meeting with persons living with HIV/AIDS, Flair learnt that there are some individuals who have had to face confidentiality issues. Those who are supposed to be protecting their status have been disloyal.

Tests

Jonathan first learnt he had HIV about eight years ago. At the time, he had a corporate job. One day after being ill for a while, he went to a doctor. The doctor did a few tests then recommended that he do a CD4 test (to determine the stage of HIV/AIDS).

During his lunch break one day, he went to have his test done. On his way into the section that deals with CD4 tests, he passed a woman who was leaving the same section. As soon as she was out of earshot, "the medical technician said to me, 'you see that woman who just left here, she and her sister have AIDS'. I was so angry because I thought it's the same way he could go tell someone about me," said Jonathan.

Worst fear confirmed

Jonathan's worst fear was confirmed minutes later. After doing his test, he returned to his office. "When I returned to my office, my coworkers could tell me where I went and which section I went. Everyone knew that I was HIV positive," he said with disgust.