“What you see, what you hear, when you leave, leave it here.”
LoveYourself Incognito, the country’s first community-based HIV screening for men that asks for no names, uses no forms, and is highly confidential, is set for May 29 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Victoria Court Malate.
Incognito, with its strictly confidential and quick screening process, is part of LoveYourself’s efforts to reach out to the key-affected population that still suffers from the stigma of getting themselves tested for HIV – because they do not want their identities exposed. The process is patterned after similar successful screenings in Thailand (Suck, Fuck, Test) and the United States.
LoveYourself assures that even with a quicker screening process, Incognito will give out results that are as reliable as past whole-day testing events since the same rapid test kits in LoveYourself clinics will be used. The 3rd generation rapid test has 100% accuracy for non-reactive clients.
No names need to be given and no forms need to be signed for the screening. Clients will only provide a Unique Identifier Code (UIC) and contact information when registering. Only when a client gets a reactive result in the rapid test will his full information be required for the Paperless Personal Information Sheet (DOH-NEC form). This is necessary to confirm the client’s status and so that he can be referred to treatment facilities.
In addition, clients will only need to wait for 15-20 minutes to get their results – that is if their result is non-reactive. Like mentioned earlier, when a client does not get a non-reactive result during the screening process, he will have to undergo the normal HIV testing process for confirmation, which could take two hours.
During the waiting period, clients will be briefed about the screening process and HIV information materials will be distributed. Snacks will also be served.
Those interested may register at go.loveyourself.ph/incognito.
