HIV/AIDS Testing Resources

Testing Resources

Awareness

HIV Testing, Why it Matters and Where to Go

Why should I get an HIV test

Knowing your HIV status has two vital benefits:

  • If you are HIV infected, you can start treatment promptly, which can potentially prolong your life for many years and improve your quality of life.
  • If you know you are infected, you can take the necessary precautions to prevent the spread of HIV to others.

If you are not infected with HIV, testing gives you peace of mind and an opportunity to learn how to protect yourself in the future.


Where can I get tested

There are many places where you can be tested for HIV:

  • In the offices of a private doctor.
  • The National HIV and AIDS Centre of the Ministry of Health, telephone 604 9113.
  • The Bahamas National Reference Lab, Royal Victoria Gardens, telephone 242 323 5968.
  • Your local health clinic.

Hospitals.

Testing Locations

HIV Testing

HIV Rapid Test


Days: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday
Time: 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
Location: Rosetta Street
Telephone: 604 9113 (call to make an appointment)

HIV Testing

Bahamas National Reference Lab

Days: Monday to Friday
Time: 8:00 am to 1:45 pm
Location: Victoria Gardens, Shirley Street
Telephone: 328 3956

PrEP, Pre Exposure Prophylaxis

PrEP most commonly refers to Pre Exposure Prophylaxis, a daily medication that significantly reduces the risk of contracting HIV. It is taken by people who are HIV negative and are at risk of exposure through sex or injection drug use. PrEP does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections, so condom use remains important.

What PrEP is

  • What it is: A combination of antiviral medications, typically in a daily tablet, that prevents HIV infection.
  • How it works: It prevents HIV from entering and replicating in the body.
  • Effectiveness: Highly effective at preventing HIV when taken as directed, but only if enough of the drug is in your body.

Who should consider PrEP

  • Anyone who is HIV negative and at substantial risk of contracting HIV.
  • People who have condomless sex with partners whose HIV status is unknown or positive.
  • People who are in a network where HIV is more common.
  • Individuals who inject drugs and share needles or equipment.

How to use PrEP

  • Most people take one pill every day.
  • Consistency is key. You must take the medication correctly for it to be effective.


Important considerations

  • PrEP is for prevention, not for treating an existing HIV infection.
  • You should see a doctor every three months for check ups, monitoring and a new prescription.
  • PrEP should be part of a broader HIV prevention plan that can include condom use and other risk reduction methods.
  • Some people may experience side effects such as nausea, stomach pain or diarrhea, which are often temporary.
  • PrEP does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections, so using condoms is still important.


Local PrEP Providers



Department of Immunology and Infectious Disease
Call for an appointment, Rosetta Street, telephone 604 9113.


E Man U Well Health Center
Dr. Norad Morgan
Call or WhatsApp for an appointment at 424 0341.

HIV Testing

OraQuick HIV Self Test

The OraQuick HIV Self Test is a simple, over the counter test that checks for antibodies to HIV in your oral fluid. It does not use only saliva. It provides results in about twenty to forty minutes.

Important precautions before starting

  • Do not eat or drink for at least 15 minutes before the test.
  • Do not use any mouth cleaning products such as mouthwash or toothpaste for 30 minutes before the test.
  • Do not use the test if the box seal is broken or if the test is past its expiration date.

Three quick steps to use the OraQuick test

1. Collect

  • Remove the flat pad on the test stick.
  • Gently and firmly swab once along your upper outer gums.
  • Gently and firmly swab once along your lower outer gums.

Make sure to swab each gum only one time.

2. Insert

  • Immediately insert the flat pad of the test stick all the way into the test tube that contains the pre measured developer solution.
  • Place the tube into the test stand.
  • Start a timer for 20 minutes. The test stick must remain in the tube for the entire time.

3. Read your results

  • Read your result after 20 minutes, but no later than 40 minutes.
  • Look at the result window on the test stick.

Negative result: one line next to the C (Control) and no line next to the T (Test).
Preliminary positive result: two complete lines, one next to the C and any line next to the T, even a very faint line.
Invalid result: no line next to the C. If the control line does not appear, the test is not working and you must use a new kit.


Where OraQuick tests are available

  • Bahamas AIDS Foundation, Delancey Street, telephone 325 9326.
  • Department of Immunology and Infectious Disease, Rosetta Street, telephone 604 9113.


Why choose us

Why Choose the Bahamas AIDS Foundation

Over 30 Years of Experience

Three decades of proven commitment to education, care, and HIV/AIDS prevention across The Bahamas.

Community-Focused Programs

Empowering individuals and families through impactful, people-centered initiatives.

Compassionate & Qualified Team

A dedicated group of trained professionals and volunteers offering care with heart.

Opportunities

Be the Change That Makes a Difference

The following volunteer opportunities are available:

  • Trained teachers to tutor students for BJC’s and BGCSE’s between 4-6pm.
  • Trained tutors to assist/oversee students doing homework and assignments between 4-6pm.
  • Share your skills or talents with young people, e.g. music, carpentry, etc.
  • Join a committee, e.g. Education, Membership, Fundraising
  • Provide work experience for a young person.
  • Mentor a young person.
  • Sponsor a child.
  • Participate in Foundation events, e.g. Fun Run Walk Cycle, Annual Jumble Sale
  • Donate gently used clothing and shoes and dry goods for the food bank
  • Partner with us to sponsor the Red Ribbon Ball, the Red Tee Charity Golf Tournament, and the World AIDS Day Activities etc.
  • Donate prizes for events such as the Annual Raffle, Silent Auction at the Red Ribbon Ball and the Red Tee Charity Golf Tournament.
  • Partner with us to provide meals, examination fees, clothing and shoes, textbooks, dental and eye care and toiletries for the adolescents in our Outreach Programme.
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