Dear Counsellor:

I have two questions I would like you to answer for me. What is being done to warn the partners of HIV-infected people? Can doctors notify someone that their husband or wife has tested positive for HIV?

Concerned Mother

Dear Concerned Mother:

The Ministry of Health offers a contact investigation programme that helps HIV-infected individuals locate and inform their sex and IV drug needle-sharing partners that they have been exposed to HIV. All information is strictly confidential, and the identity of the HIV infected person is protected.

Under the HIV confidential law, doctors must strongly counsel an HIV positive patient to notify his or her sexual or needle-sharing partners or to seek help in doing so from public health officials.

If a patient refuses to do so, a physician may, without the patient's consent, notify a sexual partner known to be at risk of HIV infection.

What do kids need to know about HIV/AIDS?

Dear Counsellor:

I'm so concerned about HIV/AIDS. I know I'm not infected but I'm concerned about my children. What do they need to know about HIV/AIDS?

Caring Mother

Dear Caring Mother:

Your children need to know everything that you know. If they are old enough to be experimenting with sex, they need to be taught how to keep themselves from risk.

You must do all in your power to educate your children about sex and drugs. It is very important that they be aware of the kinds of life-styles that put them at risk for HIV the virus that causes AIDS.

You should let them know how to prevent contracting HIV or other sexually transmitted infections.

CONTACT:

Phyllis Hall - Clarke

The Ministry of Health

2 - 4 Kings Street

Kingston

Telephone:967-1100 -1,

967-1128