Last Updated on February 11, 2021, 6:45 AM AST by Anthony Morris
St Kitts and Nevis: A person’s HIV status is categorized as personal medical information and deserves the right to be kept private and confidential at all times, health officials said on Wednesday’s February 10 issue of ‘Working for You.’
In response to a question regarding the disclosure of a patient’s status, Dr. Mathias Ofre, national coordinator of the HIV / Aids program, reminded the caller that such an act was a breach of confidentiality, adding that the country’s legislation prohibits the disclosure of medical records.
‘Different countries have different rules and regulations, and, ideally, we comply with the country’s rules and regulations. Thus, if the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis’s laws do not allow us to [disclose] the status of patients, it is beyond our line to disclose it because it violates the law. So we can not do that, ‘said Dr Ofre.
The National HIV / AIDS Coordinator said the real fear should not be the known causes, but those who are not aware of their status and the virus is spreading.
“It’s the fear, because if you do not know, how will you treat yourself and ensure that you have a long productive life?” he asked.
The caller also talked about the act of people deliberately spreading the virus. He noted that such behavior is considered a criminal act in some countries. Health educator/counselor Lucine Pemberton-Vaughan indicated that “testing in those countries has dropped significantly because people know there are criminal laws.” They refuse to come forward to be tested.
The health officials said that social stigma and discrimination could negatively affect the health and well-being of people living with HIV by discouraging some individuals from learning their status, accessing treatment, or staying in care. They noted that protecting patients’ identities and keeping their records private and confidential is of great importance for all reasons.
National AIDS Secretariat continues to send the robust education.
HIV / Aids education can help learners develop and maintain safer behavior and reduce the stigma and discrimination against people affected by and living with the virus. As such, the National AIDS Secretariat continues to pursue its robust education program to alleviate the general public about HIV / AIDS.
“We have a school program where we regularly visit primary and secondary schools to talk about sexual health and all the surrounding issues regarding HIV / Aids and the other sexually transmitted infections,” said Lucine Pemberton-Vaughan, health educator/counselor. Wednesday (February 10)’s edition of ‘Working for You.’ ‘We’re in the workplace too. So certain businesses and organizations call us, and if they do not, we invite ourselves.’
Mrs. Pemberton-Vaughn said the secretariat also reaches out to religious institutions, among others.
‘We go to churches; we’re on the street, everywhere we are and spread out there. “Even on Friday afternoons, I can see myself walking down Fort Street and handing out condoms and lubricants and just meeting people and talking one on one,” she said.
Dr. Mathias Ofre, the HIV / Aids program’s national coordinator, said no sector is left untouched.
“We reach out to private sectors that meet one-on-one with the workers to teach them what HIV is all about, how to protect themselves and also to provide condoms, and to teach them how to use them properly because it is imperative,” says Dr. Ofre. “If you do not know how to use it properly, you will eventually be exposed to the risks of being destroyed in the process or unlikely to be used to achieve a living purpose.”
Dr. Ofre and Mrs. Pemberton-Vaughn reiterate the importance of educating the general public and adds that education plays a crucial role in the fight against HIV / Aids.
Anthony Morris covers stories related to politics and regional developments. His in-depth reporting about governance and reforms makes him stand out in regional journalism, with a deep analysis of political trends and their impact on Caribbean communities.
