Free rapid HIV testing marks World AIDS Day
1st December 2016
Testing available in Limerick at GOSHH
The HSE, in partnership with a number of Sexual Health Organisations around Ireland is providing free Rapid HIV Testing on 1st December to mark World AIDS Day 2016. World AIDS Day is held on 1st December each year and is an opportunity for people to unite in the fight against HIV and to show their support for people living with HIV.
GOSHH (Gender, Orientation, Sexual Health, HIV) in Limerick will be welcoming anyone who would like to take a Rapid HIV Test between 9.30am and 8.30pm on 1st December at GOSHH, R
edwood Place, 18 Davis St, Limerick.
A Rapid HIV Test involves a fingertip prick which takes a small sample of blood and is applied to the test kit, the result is available in 60 seconds. If there is a ‘reactive’ result they will be referred to the hospital where a blood test will be taken to confirm this result.
The latest figures on HIV new diagnoses in 2016 indicate ongoing high numbers of new diagnoses with 436 cases notified this year up to early November. Additionally the World Health Organisation estimates that one third of people who are HIV Positive are not aware that they are living with HIV.
According to Ann Mason, Manager at GOSHH, “Promoting condom use and regular testing remain key to reducing the spread of HIV and STIs among those who are sexually active. Being diagnosed with HIV today means something very different than it did 20 or 30 years ago. HIV is no longer a death sentence. However the stigma associated with HIV can act as a barrier to accessing testing services. HIV testing is available at a range of clinics and community based centres and I would encourage those at risk to avail of these services.”
No appointment is necessary and testing is available at GOSHH,Redwood Place, 18 Davis Street, Limerick. For more information please contact 061 314354 or email support@goshh.ie
The official hashtag for the day is #WADirl and people are encouraged to use the hashtag on Social Media.
- More information on HIV surveillance reports are available here http://www.hpsc.ie/A-Z/HIVSTIs/HIVandAIDS/SurveillanceReports/
