“HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) will continue to be a social challenge if the youth doesn’t bravely break its cycle.”
Was the message shared by Blue Roof Life Space’s psychosocial manager, Nicole Freese, in commemoration of World Aids Day, observed on Wednesday, December 1. In partnership with Zoe-life, the organisation simultaneously launched its newest online service, Talk Test Treat.
The project is an online counselling and HIV self-screening service. In a digital advancing world, it allows the youth to order an HIV self-test as well as book pre-and post-test online counselling.
The goal is to provide online access to a service that saves lives and provides young people with the power to plug into their potential.
“I had an interview with a reporter from Canada recently who asked us about the latest stats on HIV and testing, and I couldn’t really provide him with an answer. There hasn’t been a lot of media coverage, or reports, on HIV in the last 18 months.
“It’s like HIV has taken the backburner. This is concerning because it means that something is brewing under the radar. We used to see close to 1 000 youth every year for HIV testing services before the pandemic. When Covid-19 hit, there was nothing.
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“As the psycho-social team at Blue Roof, we had to do our research and budget planning on how we could address this. The end result was the website, www.talktesttreat.co.za.
“We offer psycho-social support through online counselling and also give people the opportunity to order an HIV test, which will be delivered to them anywhere in South Africa. They can then do the test by themselves in the privacy and safety of their home,” said Freese.
The website is easy to use and provides a step-by-step guide on how to access the service through all three stages. Freese admitted that the team is still working on addressing challenges around supporting those who test positive and do not follow up for the necessary counselling.
She noted that treatment options are offered through the website and individuals, who test positive, are helped to receive the life-saving medication.
She said the youth’s response to the pilot project was positive.
Blue Roof will offer a free self HIV test kit and online talk until Tuesday, December 14. After which, customers will be charged. There are 100 HIV self-screening kits and 44 talk sessions available.
Talk sessions are available from Monday to Saturday, from 09:00 to 16:00. To access a talk session you will need a stable internet connection.
The Blue Roof Life Space is an innovative, youth-friendly hub and a dynamic space that is situated in Wentworth, Durban.
Visit its website at www.talktesttreat.co.za, like its Facebook page (Blue Roof Life Space) or call 031 267 0080.
