The tests do not require a blood sample but use a single drop of blood taken from a fingertip instead. Free weekly rapid testing services are being offered in South Auckland, after the New Zealand AIDS Foundation found travelling to the city was halting residents from getting tested. “We received feedback from clients that showed that the time, distance and cost of travelling into the city was a real barrier to getting tested,” NZAF Executive Director Shaun Robinson says. “HIV, syphilis and hep C seriously affect the health of South Auckland communities so this clinic will make testing easier and more accessible.” The NZAF testing clinic is being held every Thursday, 9AM – 1PM at Youthline House in Papatoetoe. The Foundation says all tests are free, confidential, administered by professionals and will provide results in just 20 minutes. The tests do not require a blood sample but use a single drop of blood taken from a fingertip instead. “The testing is free and available to everyone,” Robinson says, “We’re particularly keen to see the communities who are most at risk of HIV - that’s gay and bisexual men, transgender people and Africans living in New Zealand.” For people whose test results are positive, the news is not all bad, Robinson says. “Syphilis is completely curable and these days, there is very effective treatment for HIV and hep C too. But you can’t be treated until you’ve been tested.” The NZAF Testing Clinic will be held every Thursday, 9am - 1pm at Youthline House at 145 St. George Street, (Old Papatoetoe Fire Station), Papatoetoe 2025. To book a test, call 0800 80 2437 or go to www.fastest.co.nz.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Tuesday, 29th May 2012 - 4:54pm