Free Testing Service at New South Auckland Clinic

Free Testing Service at New South Auckland Clinic
 
The New Zealand AIDS Foundation (NZAF) has set up an outreach clinic to provide rapid testing services to South Auckland communities. FASTesting for HIV, syphilis and hep C will be provided to anyone who thinks they may have been exposed. 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.
 
Shaun Robinson, NZAF Executive Director, says “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. HIV, syphilis and hep C seriously affect the health of South Auckland communities so this clinic will make testing easier and more accessible.”
 
Robinson says that everyone is welcome. “The testing is free and available to everyone. 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.

ENDS

© Scoop Media