The initiative is part of the European Testing Week, an effort by EuroTEST that rallies organizations across Europe to highlight the importance of early diagnosis of HIV, hepatitis B and C, and syphilis.
“Freedom of choice begins with knowledge,” remarked the Treatment Activists Group (GAT) in a statement, which promotes the Community Screening Network in collaboration with the Public Health Institute of the University of Porto (ISPUP), emphasizing that knowing one’s serological status regarding these infections “is a simple step that can change lives.”
“Today, it is possible to live well and with quality of life with HIV or hepatitis B, especially with early diagnoses,” noted GAT, adding that “hepatitis C can be cured.”
GAT recalled that, in 2023, 924 new cases of HIV infection were reported in Portugal, with the highest diagnosis rate in the age group between 25 and 29 years.
Furthermore, “58% of new cases were diagnosed late, particularly among heterosexual men and individuals aged 50 or older.”
Held twice a year, in May and November, the European Testing Week aims to bring people closer to health services, encouraging free, quick, and confidential screening.
On Friday, the Directorate-General of Health (DGS) also appealed to the public to undergo screening for HIV and viral hepatitis infections.
The list of free screening locations can be found on the DGS website (www.dgs.pt).
