22 November 2017
This year, European HIV-Hepatitis Testing Week is taking place 17th-24th November 2017. The campaign aims to increase positive dialogue among those who ought to be tested for HIV and hepatitis and highlight the healthcare professionals who offer the tests.
NHS Borders is supporting European HIV-Hepatitis Testing Week and we are asking people in the Borders who may be at risk of HIV and Hepatitis to get tested. People who may be at risk include men who have sex with other men, people who inject drugs and people from high prevalence countries, particularly sub-Saharan African ones.
HIV attacks your immune system (CD4 cells) and in most cases will weaken your ability to fight infections and other diseases like cancer. There are five different hepatitis viruses which can lead to life-threatening complications such as cirrhosis (liver scarring), liver failure, and liver cancer.
Dr Tim Patterson, Joint Director of Public Health, said: "It is extremely important that people who are at risk of HIV and hepatitis are tested as soon as possible so they can be diagnosed early and protect those around them."
He added: "HIV treatment advances mean that people living with HIV and hepatitis can live healthily for a long time if they are diagnosed early and those with hepatitis C can be cured."
If you think you are at risk please visit your local GP practice or contact Borders Sexual Health on 01896 663700 and ask to be tested.
For more information about HIV-Hepatitis Testing Week visit http://www.testingweek.eu/