Description
The main goal of the project is the early diagnosis of HIV infection and the increased access to medical and psychosocial support through outreach approach and screening in the community, especially for individuals at high risk of HIV infection and HEP C in Athens and Patras, and HIV infection at Thessaloniki and Chania. The testing will be conducted at specific premises and Mobile Units. Pre and post test counseling for HIV and HEP C will be provided at both the premises and the mobile units, following the screening protocol. When necessary, more psychological support and information on issues that may arise after the announcement of the result will be provided. Moreover, in cases of positive results, there will be a direct cooperation and referral to the Infectious Disease Units as well as the possibility to have Directly Observed Treatment (DOT). Also, there will be public awareness activities of the local community and the wider public about the modes of transmission, methods of prevention, the importance of screening and removal of stigma. Finally an epidemiological study will take place having as main goal the evidence based policies on HIV prevention and treatment.
Summary of project results
Based on a statistical study of Hellenic Center for Disease Control & Prevention (HCDCP) in 2013, were recorded 13,496 cases of HIV infection which 3,504 were HIV-positive, approximately 6,150 are under antiretroviral treatment. Furthermore, a rapid increase in cases of HIV infection has been observed over the last 3 years, and especially in intravenous drug users. The aim of the Project PUBLIC HEALTH: PREVENTION-TESTING-SUPPORT was the early diagnosis of HIV infection and the enhancement of accessibility to medical and psychosocial case through the active finding and the initial control for HIV infection and Hepatitis C in Attica and Patras and HIV infection in Thessaloniki and Chania. The project was addressed not only to the general population but also to people with high risk of exposure to the viruses or/and limited or no access to the health system. For this reason the partners used as a preventive means the rapid test procedure for informing, examining, establishing awareness and supporting people and groups (vulnerable and excluded). The project gave the opportunity to 27.910 people for on-the-spot or unconditional access to diagnosis and examination through mobile units and the direct referral to units of medical care. Specifically, 19.546 people were testing for HIV, while 8.364 people were testing for Hepatitis C. Moreover, it provided this accessibility on a wide geographical range, contributing at the awareness of local communities and the general public for the ways of transmission, the importance of preventive testing, the combatting of discrimination and lifting the social stigma due to the seropositive status. The project, through a telephone line, provided with accessibility 16.258 people and groups who wouldn’t have otherwise been provided with such access to testing. Moreover, the ability for testing simultaneously for Hepatitis C along with HIV contributed effectively to the dissemination of information and of prevention as well. There was also mapping regarding the social and welfare issues which refer to people living with HIV and Hepatitis C. The approach of these populations through proper methodology, dissemination of targeted information as well as the provision for on-the-spot or unconditional access to diagnosis through mobile units and the direct referral to units of medical care contributed to the ability of increasing the percentage of timely diagnosis and the abidance in follow-up and treatment.
Summary of bilateral results