The European Testing Week aims to highlight the importance of early HIV testing and strives for more easily accessible HIV and STI testing services.

Why should HIV and STI testing be promoted❔

🩷 Early detection promotes well-being.

By enhancing testing, infections can be treated, chains of transmission can be broken, and people’s sexual well-being can be promoted.

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Une publication partagée par Hivpoint (@hivpoint)

HIV and hepatitis (B and C) can be asymptomatic for a long time and, if left untreated, can damage bodily functions. There is medication for HIV that allows a person to live a good life. There are effective medications for hepatitis C. With medication, HIV is not transmitted further. Hepatitis A and B viruses can be protected against with vaccination.

🤝 Testing is a human right.

HIV and STI testing should be easily available, without barriers or stigma. Services need to be developed so that people who need them but have not yet sought them out can find their way to these services.

In many European countries, immigrants without a residence permit are left without necessary treatment and services. Health and healthcare are also a right for undocumented individuals and those in similar situations!

❤️‍🩹 Stigma does not belong in health services.

It must be possible to talk about sexual health openly and respectfully with clients.

STIs are still often associated with shame, which can be a barrier to seeking testing. A professional, through their own attitude, can help a client overcome any feelings of shame related to STIs. It helps the client when the professional asks a few simple and open questions that give the client permission to share what has happened and what STI risks are associated with the client’s sexual practices.

Posters from the Right to HIV Testing project. You can find ready-made materials for celebrating testing week here >> hivpoint.fi/testausviikko

#Test #Treat #Prevent #Enjoy #TestingWeek #Wellbeing #SexualHealth