MILLIONS OF PEOPLE COULD BE OFFERED HIV TESTS DURING ROUTINE APPOINTMENTS AS OUTLINED BY NICE.

The new draft quality standard aims to improve the uptake of HIV testing among adults (aged 18 and over) and young people (aged 16-18) who may have undiagnosed HIV. This would mean they could have timely treatment to reduce the risk of onward transmission.

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DELAYS IN LINKAGE TO CARE AFTER HIV DIAGNOSIS POSE BIGGEST THREAT TO TREATMENT ACCESS

Following individuals through the cascade of care, from HIV diagnosis to treatment and undetectable viral load, rather than taking snapshots of performance, has led researchers on a major South African study to pinpoint linkage to care after testing HIV positive as the biggest weakness of treatment programmes seeking to achieve the UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets, an article in the journal The Lancet HIV reports.

The study, carried out through the Africa Health Research institute in the Hlabisa district of KwaZulu-Natal province in South Africa, found that less than half of the population with HIV in the district had linked to care within eight years, despite the fact that 82% were aware of their HIV infection.

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8 THINGS TO THINK ABOUT BEFORE TELLING PEOPLE YOU'RE HIV POSITIVE
 

NOT EVERYONE NEEDS TO KNOW

If you’ve just been told you’re HIV positive, it’s probably a good idea not to tell anyone right now. Take time to think about who you want to tell and when. Telling people about your HIV should be on your terms, not other people's.

ONCE IT'S OUT THERE, IT'S OUT THERE

Remember that you’re sharing important and sensitive information about yourself. Once it’s out there, you’re not going to be able to take the information back. Think about whether the people you decide to tell will be able to keep the information to themselves.

WHO IS GOING TO BENEFIT?

Think about your reason for disclosing. If there isn’t some benefit for you somewhere along the line, it may just be that you don’t need to tell, or don’t need to tell just yet. No-one has a ‘right’ to know: it’s your decision, so don’t feel pressured into telling people, either by other people or by yourself.

REACTIONS CAN BE DIFFERENT

Be prepared for the reactions your disclosure might bring about. Most people find that the people they tell are supportive and understanding – but there’s still a lot of ignorance and fear about HIV. Think about how you’d cope with a negative response.

TIMING IS EVERYTHING

Think about when to tell. The right time to tell will be different depending on who you’re telling. The important thing is that you feel comfortable and confident when you do tell. You have every right to take as long as you need. 

YOU ARE PROTECTED AT WORK

If you decide to disclose in work, or in the recruitment process, you are protected by the Equality Act - which means that you can’t be treated less favourably because of your HIV status. George House Trust Services Advisers can give you support around employment issues.

DISCLOSURE CAN BE EMPOWERING

When you’re ready to do it, telling people and talking about HIV openly is one way of challenging the stigma that’s still around – you might find, too, that it improves your own confidence levels.

     
HIV IS NOTHING TO BE ASHAMED OF

You’re living with a virus. The fact that some people still can’t accept this simple, medical fact really isn’t your problem.

POSITIVE SPEAKER RECRUITMENT

Want to raise awareness about HIV and challenge HIV stigma?

Interested in sharing your personal story to help change attitudes?

Want to develop new skills and gain valuable experience?

George House Trust is developing its training and education work through our new “Positively Speaking - HIV Awareness Training Programme”. The Programme aims to raise awareness of HIV and challenge HIV stigma in a range of settings including workplaces, community groups, health and social care organisations, schools, colleges and universities.

We will be running a short training course for people who would like to share their personal stories of living with HIV.  The role is voluntary and we will help you to build the skills you need to share your experience with confidence. It’s also an opportunity to gain valuable skills and experience in public speaking, training delivery and group work.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please complete this short registration of interest form.

If you would like further information about this volunteer role, please email Laura Hamilton, Volunteer & Development Manager or call 0161 274 5653

The closing date for applications is Wednesday 1^st February 2017 at 12 noon.