GOSHH

GOSHH unites with the rest of Europe to take part in European HIV-Hepatitis Testing Week, to increase awareness of the benefits of HIV and hepatitis testing and encourage more people become aware of their HIV and/or hepatitis status

From 20th November through to 27th November 2015 GOSHH in Limerick, and Sexual Health Centre in Cork are uniting with organisations, institutions, key opinion leaders and government leaders throughout Europe, to encourage people who may be at risk of HIV and/ or hepatitis to become aware of their status.



Now in its third year, testing week has expanded to include hepatitis for 2015. Hepatitis B and C are common among people at risk of and among those living with HIV, because these viruses are transmitted in many of the same ways HIV is transmitted – through injection drug use and condomless sex.

The theme for testing week 2015 is Test.Treat.Prevent, with the aim of increasing positive dialogue among those who ought to be tested for HIV and hepatitis and those who ought to be offering tests. It’s important that people at risk of HIV and/ or hepatitis know their status as soon as possible. Today, HIV treatment advances mean that people living with HIV and hepatitis can live healthily for a long time if they are diagnosed early, and those with hepatitis C can be cured.

Today, approximately 30% of the 8,000 people living with HIV in Ireland are unaware that they are HIV positive, and approximately 40% of the 20 – 30,000 people estimated to be living with hepatitis are unaware of their status.

European HIV-Hepatitis Testing Week is coordinated by HIV in Europe* but relies on participating organisations across Europe including GOSHH to organise local activities; ensuring they are targeted at those who are at a higher risk of HIV and hepatitis.

In Ireland last year, GOSHH participated in testing week, and tested over 60 people within Limerick, Clare and Tipperary, and helped to promote awareness of HIV testing within the mid west. As a result 2 new HIV diagnosis were identified and linked to appropriate care.

Ann Mason, Manager of GOSHH explained how important it is for people to know their HIV status; “These days HIV is a treatable infection and the sooner someone living with HIV accesses treatment, the sooner the medication will reduce their viral load to undetectable. It is also important to encourage people to openly discuss their HIV Status with their sexual partner.”
“A key focus for European HIV and Hepatitis Testing Week is to encourage more healthcare professionals, who do not work in a sexual health setting, to offer tests. Research has shown that 95% of people will accept a test when offered one. One of our goals is will be that everybody living in the Mid West will get to know their HIV status and be aware of sexual health services within their locality.”

In 2013 over 314 people were diagnosed with HIV, 49% of these had been living with HIV without knowing it for a long time. These figures are similar for Hepatitis C. Billie, Community Support Project Worker at GOSHH said: “Knowing your HIV or Hep C status means you can access medication. Testing for HIV and Hepatitis is therefore the key to a healthier life. I often see people’s relief after they have tested. It’s almost as if the fear of the result is the biggest issue for them.”

Ann Mason added: “We would encourage as many people as possible to come along to one of the various locations and give just 1 minute to update their HIV Status.”

GOSHH are running free Rapid HIV testing from their premises in Davis Street throughout the week, and also from other venues around the city. There is a Hepatitis C workshop which is open to the public on Tuesday 24th and a HIV Workshop in Doras Luimni on Wednesday 25th. All services are free of charge.

To find out more about the European HIV testing week visit www.hivtestingweek.eu or to find out more information about tests being provided by GOSHH follow them on Facebook & Twitter or contact them on 061 314354 or email admin@goshh.ie or visit www.goshh.ie/test

Billie
support@goshh.ie