The Malta Indipendent online
09 March 2010
by Elaine Attard
Church NGO Caritas Malta has started an interactive campaign to promote their Xefaq service aimed to help people who may have exposed themselves to sexually transmitted infections.
The NGO is promoting the service on popular media such as Facebook and a diverse number of local media.
Caritas spokesperson Joe Sammut told The Malta Independent that Xefaq is a counselling service for people who may have exposed themselves to STIs, including HIV or AIDS, or who know that they have such infections. Xefaq counsellors provide a listening ear and support and empower them to reach a favourable line of action, in strict confidentiality.
The unit, managed by Sr Rita Zammit Pace offers help to individuals in the form of one to one counselling sessions with a psychological, social and spiritual perspective, thanks to psychologists and a social worker.
Problems can range from family-related ones to personal issues including relationships, parenthood, drugs, alcohol, gambling, usury, financial and material needs, housing, psychological needs, spiritual concerns, legal issues, medical problems and geriatric conditions.
It might not be easy for a client to admit involvement in a risky sexual encounter. Add the uneasiness one may experience while talking about sex, homosexuality, extramarital relations and the sharing of needles and syringes for injecting drugs and the situation may become too much to handle.
When people experience such fears and concerns, they continue to carry the burden on their own and remain in the dark, feeling as if they are approaching a dead end. Xefaq counsellors dedicate their time to listen to such persons, support them and empower them to reach a favourable decision.
Xefaq helps clients prepare themselves for a blood test, for the result as well as to pursue a meaningful lifestyle. It takes a lot of courage to pick up the phone and ask for an appointment. After making the first step, which is perhaps the most difficult, clients will be accompanied throughout.
Counselling gives information, clarifies doubts, enables clients to see the benefits of testing and empowers clients to make a conscious, responsible choice of a lifestyle.
After a preliminary phone call, a face-to-face meeting is held to carry out the pre-test counselling session. This is where a risk assessment is carried out so as to determine whether the client is in need of an STI test or not. During sessions, clients’ questions are answered and they are empowered to gain control on their particular situation and risk possibilities. Whether or not they have been at risk, clients will become aware of the lifestyle to be followed in order not to put themselves and others at risk.
When a blood test is required, the Xefaq counsellor makes the necessary arrangements for the test to be carried out. Whatever the outcome of such tests, Xefaq counsellors will offer their support if they are called upon to do so.
Caritas Malta is working closely with the Denitourinary Clinic of Sir Paul Boffa Hospital in this matter.
Xefaq counsellors may be contacted on telephone number 2590-6600.
http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=102772
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