30% of people infected with HIV do not know their diagnosis: why testing is important

From people living with HIV in the worldOnly 70% know their diagnosisbut 30% don't know. "For this 30% who do not know their diagnosis, it is very important for them to have access in some way, and one of these ways of access is to expand testing," he said. Marcelo Laurido, Infectious Diseases Doctor Helios Salud.

And that is that over the years it has been possible to understand the epidemic in detail by collecting, analyzing and disseminating data, and it has helped programs to reach the right people at the site and at that time. suitable.

In recent years, rapid inspections have become more important as their specificity is comparable to traditional tests. They are completely confidential, voluntary and free, and the results are only known 10 minutes after a small blood sample from your finger. A short review of the risk assessment and informed consent has been completed before the test is completed.

"HIV diagnosis is not like 20 or 30 years old. Today, a person diagnosed with HIV can live perfectly well with a great quality of life. People need to understand that the illness is not the same as Sick, can be flu and sleep in bed with fever, is ill, unable to function normally. A person may have a chronic illness, called HIV or another, but it does not affect their quality of life. This person has a disease but is not sick, so it is important that the person agrees with the test; infection, ”said a specialist.

HIV testing is an essential tool to reach the 20 × 20 campaign developed by the AHF worldwide and aims to reach 20 million by 2020. To do this, the first step must be informed and diagnosed.

Where testing takes place

"People can go to any place where checks are carried out without a medical order, which is important because if you are at risk, you can go to that place and say that you want to check. HIV and it is done at the moment "he said. Isabel Cassetti, medical infectologist, member of the National AIDS Program Advisory Committee and National Health Ministry ETS.

"It is very important to know the situation of everyone with HIV. If they know that they have an infection, they also know that they have a duty to take care of themselves with the other person and not to forget about the condom even if the person has a viral load. but you have to be careful to have other viral loads infectious diseases if they can be contagious, ”said Cassetti.

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