Dear Counsellor:

I am a teenager and I actually have passed the age of consent, which means that I can have a boyfriend. Suppose my boyfriend is not infected with HIV and I am not, do we still have to use condom every time we have sex?

Curious Teen

Dear Curious Teen:

If you or your boyfriend is not infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS and you are very sure that both of you will remain faithful to each other, that is, you will not have sex with anyone else, then you really do not need to use a condom. However, if there is any doubt in your mind, then you must use a condom. Remember, for those who are sexually active, the condom is the only sure way of preventing infection with HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.

Is the mobile bus a safe way to get tested?

Dear Counsellor:

I heard about a mobile bus that is going around and testing persons for HIV. Is that a safe way to get tested?

Wanted to Get Tested

Dear Want to Get Tested:

Thanks for your letter. Your queries are very important. The mobile HIV- testing unit is provided by the Ministry of Health National HIV Programme. The team providing the services consists of highly trained professionals who offer free HIV testing as part of a comprehensive approach to control the spread of HIV and to help persons to know their status in a convenient setting. Many persons have given positive feedback about the services the unit provides, and it has been extending its services because of popular demand. I hope you will benefit from this mobile HIV-testing unit also.

For more information on condom use, HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections, call the AIDS/STD Helpline at 967-3830, 967-3764 or toll free at 1888-991-4444.