"Everyone knows a sick banana. But HIV is not visible." Friday in Prague will be marked by testing: free and anonymous! How to participate?
When to come?
The day-long event is organized by Gilead Sciences s.r.o. in cooperation with the Czech AIDS Aid Society. Anonymous and free testing will take place from 8:00 to 20:00. There will be expert pre-test counselling with medical staff prior to the rapid test. Do not hesitate to come and get tested!
What else will take place?
In addition to the testing, visitors to the tent can look forward to a side program during which key experts in the field of HIV and hepatitis prevention and treatment will be discussing. Topics discussed will include the need to destigmatize HIV disease, which is one of the main prerequisites for early testing.
Why get tested?
Early detection of HIV leads to rapid initiation of treatment, which makes most patients non-infectious to their environment and their sexual partners. People living with HIV can then start a family and live the same quality and long life as HIV-negative people (U=U, for Undetectable = Untransmittable). Early testing and treatment are some of the key steps to reducing the spread and incidence of HIV.
Czech statistics
In the Czech Republic, over 250 new cases of HIV infection are detected annually and over 1 000 hepatitis C infections are reported. Some individuals may develop the disease without obvious difficulties and unfortunately some patients only discover their diagnosis late in the course of the disease. The aim of early testing is to change this situation and to catch any possible disease early in its course. Hepatitis C can be successfully treated, and HIV infection is also treatable but not curable.
It's not just Prague
European Testing Week is a Europe-wide campaign that encourages partner organisations across Europe to come together for one week to increase testing efforts and promote awareness of the benefits of early testing.
Gilead Sciences companies
Gilead Sciences has long had a strong focus on developing new prevention approaches in the field of HIV. At the same time, it also emphasizes the development of original medicines in the areas of HIV, hepatitis and covidu-19 treatment for patients in need of such treatment.
About the Czech AIDS Aid Society
Czech AIDS Aid Society, z.s. is a non-profit HIV prevention organization that has been providing support to people living with HIV for 30 years. The Society provides (among other things) free and anonymous testing for HIV infection and internet and telephone counselling.
There is nothing to be afraid of. Come for a test.
