May 18–25, Ukraine joins the European Testing Week (ETW) — an important initiative that unites the medical community, public organizations, and government institutions around a common goal: to promote early diagnosis, timely treatment, and prevention of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), viral hepatitis (VH), and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and to remind everyone that knowing one's status is important and responsible.
During the week, free testing for HIV, viral hepatitis B, C, and STIs will be conducted in the regions of Ukraine so that everyone can get tested for these diseases quickly, easily, and confidentially.
This year's slogan «"Testing with and for communities - let's help those who need it most"» emphasizes the main idea: effective prevention and early diagnosis are only possible when services are created taking into account people's needs and with the active participation of the communities themselves.
This year, regional centers for disease control and prevention (CDCs), healthcare institutions, and non-governmental organizations are traditionally joining the European Testing Week in Ukraine to jointly take another step towards increasing access to testing services, especially for those who most often face barriers - geographical, social, or informational.
The ETT initiative has always been based on solidarity. The idea is simple: when hundreds of organizations act together, they can change behavior, overcome stigma, and save lives.
At the same time, European Testing Week is a reminder of a simple but important truth: knowing your status is normal, and taking care of your health is responsible.
Testing is the most effective way to detect HIV, hepatitis B and C, and syphilis. The sooner a person learns about their status, the sooner they can learn about prevention, receive the necessary treatment, and prevent the spread of infection. This way, you are not only taking care of yourself, but also of your loved ones.
Who should get tested:
- «"Everyone who had a potential risk of infection should get tested for HIV"»;
- «"Recommendations for screening for viral hepatitis"».
It is worth getting tested for syphilis:
- after unprotected sexual intercourse;
- if there are new or casual sexual partners;
- when planning pregnancy or during pregnancy;
- if you experience symptoms in the genital area, such as rashes, unusual discharge, itching, pain or discomfort;
- regularly - to take care of your health (once a year or more often if there are risk factors).
Where to take the test for free
Testing for HIV, hepatitis B and C, and syphilis in Ukraine is free and confidential. To get tested, you can contact:
- family doctor;
- state or municipal medical institutions, AIDS Center;
- the nearest testing point marked on the maps:
– HIV test;
– Test for viral hepatitis B and C.
- non-governmental and public organizations that conduct testing of key and vulnerable groups.
There will also be field testing sessions during European Testing Week, organized by regional centers for disease control and prevention. For announcements of testing dates and locations in your region, please follow the relevant CDC website on social media.
Take advantage of the opportunity today: get tested — learn about prevention, recommend testing to loved ones, and support an open conversation about health.