Calls for a free HIV test and to test your tolerance

From 23 to 30 November, just before World AIDS Day, celebrated on 1 December, a European HIV testing week will take place in more than 30 European countries. It aims to raise public awareness of the importance of timely and regular HIV testing.

In Latvia, many societies mistakenly believe that HIV is transmitted only in limited and specific societies. Unfortunately, HIV has long broken the boundaries of these groups and can endanger all members of the community. A high proportion of new HIV-positive patients are infected with the virus during heterobadual contact. These are middle-aged people enjoying a good education, a job and a social status. Therefore, during the test week, all people are asked to check their health and HIV status.

"At a time when the restriction of HIV treatment is finally being lifted in Latvia and treatment is available for anyone with HIV, it is very important to quickly search for HIV-positive patients and start treatment for them. the drug can reduce the effects of the virus on the body becoming undetectable and the person is no longer infectious to others, so in the HIV field, treatment is the best prevention, but screening is also necessary, "says Inga Upmace, head of the Baltic HIV Association.

Latvia ranks first in the European Union after the number of newly diagnosed HIV cases per capita. There are currently 5,576 HIV-positive people in Latvia, but an international HERMETIC study conducted by RSU in Latvia suggests that the actual number of people infected in Latvia is over 1,800. Thus, a quarter of people infected with HIV do not know their HIV status. The test is the only way to know your status. An HIV test can be performed at the HIV prophylaxis points, and the HIV test is also available in all laboratories in Latvia.