In Lanarkshire, there are an estimated 3,800 people with Hepatitis C and approximately 450 people living with HIV. Being diagnosed with one of these conditions is life changing, however with advances in treatment, both hepatitis and HIV can be permanently suppressed, meaning that people with these conditions can expect to live a normal life expectancy.

The biggest problem is that many infected people are unaware of their status, putting their own and others health at risk. So, the message we want to get across with this campaign is;

The sooner people get tested for Hepatitis, HIV and other STIs, the sooner they can start life-saving treatment and prevent passing on the virus to someone else. TEST, TREAT, PREVENT and save a life.

European Testing Week is about increasing awareness of testing for Hepatitis and HIV, highlighting the range of options available and encouraging people to test regularly. Sexual health clinics, GPs and community testing venues across Lanarkshire offer testing to help people find the test that’s right for them. For more information go to:  https://www.lanarkshirehivandhepatitis.org/

Effective treatments mean people can live a long, healthy life and are highly unlikely to pass on these viruses. Regardless of the test result, testing also helps make people more aware, giving them the facts and confidence to prevent new infections and keep themselves and others safe.

Although anyone can be at risk, groups who are particularly at risk include; men who have sex with men (MSM), people who inject drugs and Sub-Saharan African populations.

Add your support to the campaign by sharing #TestTreatPrevent Tweets and Facebook posts, wearing a Red Ribbon and using a World AIDS Day auto signature on your emails. For more information, contact Jo Duffy, BBV&SH Promotion Team on 01698 377619 or jo.duffy@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk.