Living in South Auckland? Grab a Rapid Test on Thursdays

MEDIA RELEASE: 7 AUGUST 2014

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Living in South Auckland? Grab a Rapid Test on Thursdays

Each week on a Thursday, NZ AIDS Foundation counsellor Lyndon Moore sets up shop at Youthline Manukau Centre in Papatoetoe, ready to offer free rapid HIV, syphilis and Hepatitis C tests.

NZAF wants to increase awareness of this service amongst MSM in South Auckland.

The aim is to normalise and make testing more accessible for MSM. Having Lyndon based in an office in South Auckland helps to make this possible.

While testing is available through GPs, sexual health centres and other public health organisations, NZAF’s rapid testing is unique because it allows people to get the results on the same day, at the end of the appointment.

The educational component of the test is as important as the test itself, allowing people to make an informed decision about sex, based on facts.

South Auckland can be quite a dispersed community, particularly for men who have sex with men. Pacific Community Engagement Co-ordinator Tanu Gago says that, while many venues are “queer friendly”, there are no specifically gay clubs or bars, so it’s hard to get the word out.

To help increase the awareness of its testing service among MSM living in South Auckland, the Foundation has added details to its website, including an online booking option, and will promote it on social media. Engagement with local community groups and venues is also underway.

Rapid HIV testing is available every Thursday from 8.30am to 4.30pm at Youthline Manukau Centre, 145 St Georges St, Papatoetoe. Bookings can be made online, by emailing contact.burnett@nzaf.org.nz or by calling 09 309 5560 or 0800 802 437.

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