Five student nurses from Nata Clinic and four from the nearby clinic in Dukwi presented a seminar in Nata. The seminar is an opportunity for the students to practice their presentation skills, demonstrate their technical skills, and learn leadership. It is also a way to educate community leaders. Guests were invited from the Social and Community Development office, Police Department and Land Board. The students presented a case (anonymously) of a 32 year old male who presented at the clinic with sores on his penis. He complained that it caused him a great deal of pain during sex. He was diagnosed with an STD and given treatment. He was offered an HIV test and simply said he wasn't ready to take the test. We know that there is a serious possibility that this man is infected with the virus. At Nata clinic 95% of all pregnant females are testing for HIV. We asked why is it that the men aren't testing. When the women say they aren't ready to test, the nurses don't stop there. They bring in other nurses and counselors and spend a great deal of time encouraging her to test. When a man tell a 21 year old nursing student, "No" she is often unwilling to pursue the topic or press him further. He is after all an older male and it's difficult for her to challenge him. We all felt rather helpless as we know this man is out there spreading who knows what diseases and theres nothing we can do about it. We at natavillage.org feel its time to confront the men in the same way we confront our women.
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