June is HIV Month, DOH Encourages Get Tested

By: Tosimaeʻa Tupua

Email: tupua@opi.as.gov

HIV month in American Samoa June is the month for HIV Aids in American Samoa and the Department of Health is urging people to come test for HIV. Self-care has been a particularly important topic during the COVID-19 pandemic as the need for individual and community actions to promote physical and mental health remain critical. HIV testing is an act of self-care and DOH is encouraging people to get tested and know their HIV status can help them stay healthy. Today, there are more free, easy, fast, and confidential HIV testing options available than ever before.

To mark the month of June as HIV Month, DOH is encouraging people to get tested for HIV, know their status, and get linked to care and treatment. HIV attacks the immune system and destroys it slowly. As the virus continues to stay in the blood of an infected person, it develops into various stages and the last stage is AIDS. As this infection stays in your body, it feeds and destroys the main cells responsible for protection of the body against infection. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused huge disruptions in healthcare services. As a result, the impact of COVID-19 extends beyond those who have been infected with the disease, affecting patients with other conditions, such as people with HIV. DOH is asking our people to come to the Tafuna Clinic to get their free HIV test.