Caribbean HIV Testing Week

At a time of post-COVID-19 deconfinement and the hoped-for return to “a normal life”, let us not forget the other risks: to be tested for HIV and other STIs is to take care of one's health, protect and protect others.

After long weeks of confinement, little by little, life resumes its course. For some, this period had the effect of considerably limiting the number of sexual partners and exposure to HIV and other STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections), while for others, it could lead to unusual risk-taking. In addition, during these two months of confinement, the HIV / STI prevention and screening offers were considerably reduced and consequently access to these offers, particularly complicated for the public (closing of CeGIDD hospitals, places of reception associative…).

Since May 11, with the gradual deconfinement, all the prevention structures in our territory are once again able to welcome the public and resume activities for the prevention and testing of HIV and other STIs in compliance with the measures barriers). However, screening activities outside the walls cannot be redeployed due to continuing health constraints.

This year, Caribbean HIV testing week takes place from June 22 to 28, 2020 for all of Guadeloupe and the Northern Islands. This week is an opportunity to recall that in these times of COVID-19, the other risks, particularly sexual, have not disappeared and to invite everyone to go for screening. Throughout this week, COREVIH Guadeloupe St-Martin St-Barth is mobilizing with actors involved in the promotion of sexual health, via social networks, to re-educate the population about the challenges of screening and prevention diversified in the fight against the HIV / STI epidemics which remain very active in our region.

• Different places and different tools for adapted screening

Going to be tested for HIV is an opportunity to also be screened for other STIs (gonococcal disease, chlamydia, syphilis, hepatitis ...) and to have information on prevention tools (Pre and post Exposure treatments , hepatitis / papillomavirus vaccinations, etc.).

Promoting early, standard, integrated and regularly repeated screening (every 2 to 3 years in the general population 2 to 3 times a year in the event of high-risk sexual practices and / or vulnerability factors) remains a crucial issue to control HIV / STI epidemics.