European Testing Week

[GOSHH]

HI Everyone,

European Testing Week is upon us again. Click here for more info: http://bit.ly/2zJDaEu

Here is our press release with testing schedule underneath!
Organisations in Limerick city are uniting with the rest of Europe to take part in European HIV-Hepatitis Testing Week, to increase awareness of the benefits of HIV and Hepatitis C testing and encourage more people to become aware of their HIV and Hepatitis C status

Between 23rd and 30th November, GOSHH (Gender, Orientation, Sexual Health and HIV) is coordinating a united response with organisations in Limerick to promote HIV and Hepatitis C testing and encourage people to become aware of their HIV and Hepatitis C status.

HIV in Europe is calling on the European community to unite for a week during November to increase awareness regarding the benefits of HIV and hepatitis testing; so that more people become understand that there is effective treatment available and are aware of their HIV and/ or hepatitis status. It’s important that people at risk of HIV and/or Hepatitis know their status as soon as possible. Today, treatment advances mean that people living with HIV can live healthily for a long time if they are diagnosed early, and people living with Hepatitis C can be completely cured.

It is estimated that 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 C are unaware of their status. That means that there are an estimated 28-38,000 people living in Ireland without access to proper medications that can make a definite difference in their lives. In the WHO European Region, the average treatment rate for Hepatitis C is estimated at only 3.5% and 25% of the 1.2 million people living with HIV in Europe are currently unaware that are HIV positive; and nearly 50% of those who are positive are diagnosed late, delaying access to treatment.

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.

Once again GOSHH has gone all out to provide educational workshops in targeted agencies and community based Rapid HIV and Rapid Hep C testing throughout the week. We have support on hand for all reactive cases and have close links with doctors, clinics, and consultants to ensure everyone has immediate access to all the follow on tests and medication they may need.

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(s).”
“A key focus for European HIV and Hepatitis Testing Week is to encourage more healthcare professionals, outside 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.”

Susan, who has received the new treatment for Hep C and is now cured, says “In 2012 I was hospitalised with bleeding oesophageal varices & liver cirrhosis. After a few months I was doing better but was then diagnosed with Hep C. I knew nothing about Hepatitis so I thought this was a death sentence; six years later and I'm still here. In March 2015 I finished a three month course of the new Hepatitis C treatment (Sovaldi) and I have been clear of the virus ever since. Hopefully everyone living with Hepatitis will also get this cure”.
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 or learn about HIV and Hepatitis C testing.”

GOSHH is willing to bring Rapid HIV and Hep C Testing to all venues so if you own a tattoo parlour, a factory, an office, or work in a voluntary or statutory agency and would like to know more about testing in your venue please contact us. To find out more about the European HIV-Hepatitis testing week visit www.testingweek.eu or to find out more information about tests being provided by GOSHH follow us on Facebook & Twitter, ring 061 314354, email support@goshh.ie or visit www.goshh.ie/test

Friday November 23rd
09.15 – 11.15 HIV and Hepatitis C Information Session – Temporary Emergency Provision, Lord Edward Street, Limerick
10.00 – 11.00 Free Rapid HIV Testing - GOSHH, 18 Davis Street, Limerick

Monday November 26th
09.15 – 11.15 Free Rapid HIV and Hep C Testing – Temporary Emergency Provision, Lord Edward Street, Limerick
10.00 – 12.30 Free Rapid HIV Testing – GOSHH
14.30 – 16.30 Free Rapid HIV and Hep C Testing – GOSHH

Tuesday November 27th
10.00 – 12.30 Free Rapid HIV and Hep C Testing – GOSHH
14.00 – 16.30 Free Rapid HIV and Hep C Testing – Ana Liffey Drugs Project, Steamboat Quay, Limerick
14.30 – 16.30 Free Rapid HIV Testing – GOSHH

Wednesday November 28th
11.00 – 12.30 Free Rapid HIV Testing – GOSHH
14.30 – 16.30 Free Rapid HIV and Hep C Testing – GOSHH

Thursday November 29th
10.00 – 12.30 Free Rapid HIV and Hep C Testing – GOSHH
17.00 – 19.30 Free Rapid HIV and Hep C Testing - GOSHH

Friday November 30th
10.00 – 11.00 Free Rapid HIV and Hep C Testing - GOSHH, 18 Davis Street, Limerick

Saturday December 1st
19.00 – 21.00 Free Rapid HIV and Hep C Testing – I-Kandi Sauna, Eastway Business Park, Limerick

Who needs to get tested?
Key populations for HIV testing
Key populations at higher risk in Europe vary from country to country, but in general they include:
• Men who have sex with men
• Intravenous drug users
• Sex workers
• Migrants (including persons originating from a high prevalence country) and mobile populations
• Prisoners
• Partners of any at risk people

Key populations for Hepatitis testing
The key populations at higher risk of Hepatitis are the same as those for HIV, above. In addition, those at increased risk of living with undiagnosed Hepatitis C include:
• People on long-term haemodialysis
• People who have received blood, blood products, or organs before screening for Hepatitis C was implemented, or where screening is not yet widespread
• Healthcare workers.
• People who have had medical care abroad in at risk countries
• Other types of drug users including people who have snorted drugs
• People affected by homelessness