Auckland’s Sexual Health Service are partnering with the New Zealand AIDS Foundation to provide the STI screenings alongside HIV rapid tests this coming Saturday, December 1st 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.
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.
“Our rapid HIV test gives a result back the same day – within 20 minutes, so you’ll know straightaway for that,” Otter says. “We’re very pleased to be working with Auckland Sexual Health to offer both HIV tests and STI screenings outside of our normal operating hours.”
To book your testing appointment, please contact the Burnett Centre:
BURNETT CENTRE CONTACT DETAILS:
1/3 Poynton Tce, Auckland
Ph (09) 309 5560
Fax (09) 302 2338
Email: contact.burnett@nzaf.org.nz
