To acknowledge World AIDS Day on Tuesday, December 1, the team at the Central Coast Local Health District Sexual Health Clinic encouraged people at risk of HIV to get tested.
It is estimated that around 10,500 people in NSW are living with a diagnosed HIV infection. Despite significant progress being made in prevention efforts and increasing HIV testing and treatment uptake, approximately 14 per cent of people with HIV remain undiagnosed.
Dr Debbie Allen, district medical director of HIV and Related Programs, said those most at risk include men who have sex with men and people from countries where there are high rates of HIV infection. Anyone who has had unprotected sex with a person at high risk should also be tested.
“HIV can affect people of all ages, genders, races and cultures, and is often transmitted by people who don’t know they have it. “The good news is that HIV testing is easier and more accessible than ever before.
“Early detection means people can start treatment that will improve their health and prevent transmission to others,” said Dr Allen. In NSW, over 90 per cent of people with HIV who visit public HIV and sexual health clinics are now on treatment. Most people receiving treatment have a similar life expectancy to people without HIV.
People can visit their GP for testing, or free and confidential testing is available at the Holden St Sexual Health Clinic in Gosford.
Media release,
Nov 25, 2015
Casey Virgin, Central
Coast Local Health District