Dr. Clementine Odei, Head of Unit at the University of Ghana Medical School Clinic, has advised people against trusting their partners’ assertions regarding their HIV status and has recommended that they undergo testing themselves.
She indicated that individuals who are commencing relationships should motivate their partners to complete an HIV test while simultaneously undergoing the test themselves.
“Don’t trust anybody,” Dr. Odei said.
She noted that HIV testing is accessible at no cost at government hospitals.
“If you walk to any government hospital and you want to check HIV, you don’t pay for anything,” she said during an advocacy.
Dr. Odei further cautioned individuals against accepting a partner’s assertion that they have recently tested negative.
“And don’t let anybody tell you that I’ve gone to check, so I’m negative. Where are you there?” she said.
She promoted the incorporation of HIV testing into the decision-making process when establishing new relationships.
