Dear Pastor,
I have been reading your column for a long time and I would appreciate your advice. I live in America, but my problem lies with my aunt who lives in Jamaica. She has been infected with the deadly HIV virus through no fault of her own.
She is 52 years old. She is unable to get the medical help that she needs. I love my aunt dearly and she is dying right in front of our eyes. The family who lives abroad, including myself and my mom sends money for her medication, but it does not seem to be helping her.
She is weak most of the time and has stomach pains fre-quently. She does not have any money at all. She lives with family members. Her children took her to the hospital and they sent her back home when they found out what she has. I am wondering what type of medical facilities we have in Jamaica and whether we discriminate and not help those who are sick.
She does not have a visa so she cannot travel overseas for medical help. I know that they have an antiretroviral drug out there and I am not sure if they give it to everyone, but pastor if there is a facility that you could recommend for her, the family would be happy to take her there. The doctors said she only has the virus so I know she could live for a long time with the proper treatment.
Thank you. We would also appreciate a word of prayer for her. If there is a number I could contact you, please let me know.
R.,
Florida,
U.S.A.
Dear R.,
I regret hearing that your aunt is infected with the HIV virus. You did not mention what area of Jamaica she resides. I was able to get some infor-mation which may help you and others who may be seeking help for love ones.
The numbers to contact, and their respective regions are as follows: Northeast Heath Authority Region includes St. Ann (496-0658), St. Mary (496-0656, 496-0661) and Portland (496-0652, 496-0653). The Southeast Health Authority Region includes Clarendon (496-0679) and Manchester (496- 0665). The Western Region includes Westmoreland (496-0657, 496-0668) and St. James. In St James there is the Cornwall Regional Hospital (496-0664, 496-0678) and the Montego Bay Type 5 Health Clinic (496-0655, 496-06676). The South East Region includes St. Catherine (496-0675) and Kingston. In Kingston there is the Comprehensive Health Centre (496-0666, 496-0663), Kingston Public Hospital (496-0662, 496-0651), Bustamante Children's Hospital (496-0650) and the National Chest Hospital (496-0654). Kingston and St. Andrew has a central Number which is 496-0667. These numbers are for persons seeking treat-ments. For more than treatment you can contact Centre of HIV and AIDS Research and Education (CHARES) (496-0662).
I hope that the above information will be helpful to you and others who are seeking help for those in need.
Pastor
Do
you have a problem? Is something bothering
you? Write to 
