Tuesday, October 23, 2007 - 11:00h

AIDS anti-body test

Leaflet cover
This year's campaign will promote rapid diagnostic tests for HIV/AIDS

The Health Department has presented its promotion policies for the HIV test in Catalonia. This year's initiatives include the implementation of rapid diagnostic tests and a campaign aimed at homosexual men, with the motto JO SÍ... em faig la prova! (YES...I'll get tested!). In addition, a leaflet has been created to inform the general public about the test, VIH/sida. No li donis més voltes. Fes-te la prova, (HIV/AIDS. Stop debating. Just get tested.) It will be distributed at chemist's, health centres and NGOs that assist in the fight against AIDS. 

Diagnosing HIV is one of the Health Department's main priorities. The sooner one knows whether they have been infected with HIV, the sooner they can take advantage of medical care and begin an effective treatment programme that will improve their quality of life. They will also be able to take the necessary precautions to prevent reinfection and the transmission of HIV. 

Between 41%-43% of the HIV diagnoses in Catalonia are delayed. Thus, early diagnosis of the HIV infection must be encouraged. 

The number of HIV diagnostic tests performed in the Catalonia laboratory network has gradually risen, from 26,168 in 1993 to 213,957 in 2004. The estimated figures for 2006 are 250,250 tests.