We know we should ask every new partner to "get tested," but what for, exactly? With news that certain Sexual Transmitted Diseases (STDs)) are practically as common as the flu and that many people are not even getting tested anymore. What's the new "normal" when it comes to safe sex? Do not hold off on the conversation until you have done the deed, and then panic later when you have been exposed to something. Test first, sex later!

“I tested HIV positive during my last pregnancy when I started antenatal care. I was disappointed because I did not know my boyfriend's status, neither did I ever ask. One day when my boyfriend left for work I attempted to commit suicide. I tried hanging myself with a rope. Unfortunately, while I was busy preparing, I heard my friend came knocking at my door. She kept shouting my name, it is as if someone told her that I was up to something. The voice in me said I should open the door. When she turned her head to my ceiling there was my hanging rope. I cried as I disclosed to her that I tested HIV positive, I do not want to live positive I want to die. My friend told me, she has been living positively for two years, yet she is still living health. She showed me her the hospital passport card to prove that she is positive. It was after her advice that I decided to live a positive life. I later disclosed my status to my boyfriend and I found out that he was HIV  positive and he did tell me about it.

This resulted in me separating from my boyfriend, I am glad my friend had advised me further to seek further support form DAPP TCE (Total Control Epidemic) support with the advice from TCE field officer I was able to give birth to an HIV-free baby and today I am living an HIV positive and healthy life ”- said a client, during the mother to child prevention, follow up.

This story was told by a mother to her TCE field officer followed up with the mother and body that they did the right things for 18 months after the body was born.