SANA?A* Nov 15 ? The National AIDS Control Program held an information symposium on HIV Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT)* at the training center of the Ministry of Health that was attended by a number of journalists and health workers.Yemen?s National AIDS Control Program estimates the current number of HIV positive patients in Yemen at 23*000. However* as of July 2008* only 2*431 cases of Yemenis being HIV positive have been reported. In several counties* voluntary counseling and testing programs (VCT) have proven to be a positive method in preventing the spread of infection. "We promote VCT centers to help people learn their HIV status* increase the provision of HIV and provide those who are HIV positive with free medicine and counseling*" said Ahmad Al-Dhubaibi* VCT officer at the National AIDS Control Program.There are fourteen VCT centers in seven governorates* Sana'a* Aden* Taiz* Hodeidah* Ibb* Dhamar and Mukalla.The first HIV case in Yemen was discovered in 1987. There are only two HIV treatment centers in the country: Al-Jamhori Hospital in Sana'a and Al-Wahdah Hospital in Aden. Three other treating centers will be opened in Hodeidah* Taiz and Mukalla. Dr. Abdulhameed Al-Suhaibi* manager of the National AIDS Control Program* said: "In comparison with many other countries* the Yemeni government is more committed to supporting efforts to reduce the occurrence of AIDS.?Al-Suhaibi talked about the major role religious leaders and journalists can play in spreading AIDS awareness in society. "We still have a problem of stigma and discrimination against the HIV/AIDS patients in our society*" he added For people receiving information at VCT centers* HIV testing is optional and counseling is provided to help make the decision on whether or not to get tested. People are given comprehensive information about HIV/AIDS* including transmission methods and the consequences of HIV infection as an individual and a member of society.The counseling is on a one-to-one basis and is private and confidential. "We don't take clients' names* addresses or any personal details that may refer to his/her personality. We only use a code number for clients at VCT centers*" says Al-Dhubaibi.There are six VCT centers in Sana'a* Aden and Lahj which provide methods to prevent HIV mother-to-child transmission and reduce infection in the next generation. The success of preventing infection is 98 percent. The centers also provide treatment and care for women living with HIV.Counseling* both prior and after taking the test* helps patients that are tested HIV-positive cope with the disease and live a normal life. For those who test negative* the counseling is aimed at further prevention measures. The VCT also has a hot line (175) dedicated for counseling* information and advice regarding HIV/AIDS and sexually-transmitted diseases. VCT services also raise awareness among the most vulnerable people* like youth and sex workers* on how to protect themselves against HIV/AIDS."The more people that go to VCT centers* the less stigma and discrimination against people living with AIDS*" Al-Dhubaibi concluded....

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