Free appointments for HIV and other sexually-transmitted infections (STI's) are still available for this Saturday at Auckland's Burnett Centre, just off Karangahape Road. Have YOU picked up any nasty bugs? Auckland's Sexual Health Service are partnering with the New Zealand AIDS Foundation to provide the STI screenings alongside HIV rapid tests this Saturday 1 December to commemorate World AIDS Day. "This is a really good opportunity to get a total sexual health check-up all in one visit," says Burnett Centre manager Wayne Otter. "Our rapid HIV test gives a result back the same day – within 20 minutes, so you'll know straightaway," he says. The NZAF Burnett Centre offers weekday appointments for Rapid HIV tests, and plans to open more regularly for testing on Saturdays in the future, if there is sufficient interest. Gay and bisexual men remain the highest risk group for HIV infection, with one new diagnosis being recorded every five days among this group in 2006. The presence of a sexually transmitted infection (STI) like syphilis, gonorrhea or chlamydia - all of which are on the increase among gay and bisexual men - make the body more vulnerable to HIV infection and vice versa. Whilst the rapid HIV test will be conducted with a trained counselor, the STI check will be self-administered with support from Auckland Sexual Health staff present on the day. Sexual Health staff will assist clients in completing a sexual history sheet, answering any questions that may arise, before instructing on how to collect the necessary samples, urine and/or anal swabs. The samples are then sent to a laboratory for testing, and clients will be contacted by phone or text with the results next week. To book your testing appointment, please contact the Burnett Centre on the details below. NZAF AUCKLAND BURNETT CENTRE 1/3 Poynton Tce, Auckland Ph (09) 309 5560 Fax (09) 302 2338 Email: contact.burnett@nzaf.org.nz
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Tuesday, 27th November 2007 - 3:49pm