Free and anonymous HIV testing offered in Munich as Bavarian HIV Testing Weeks begin

Free and anonymous advice, and testing where needed, for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections is being offered in Munich as the Bavarian HIV Testing Weeks get under way on Monday, 2 November. The city's health officer, Beatrix Zurek, is urging residents to make use of the service at the Health Department's advice centre on Bayerstraße 28a.

The Bavarian HIV Testing Weeks are a statewide campaign launched on the initiative of the Bavarian State Ministry of Health and Care. They aim to highlight the risks of infection, the importance of protection, and the availability of HIV tests and advice services. This year's motto is "Bavarian HIV Testing Weeks – Now near you with STI advice".

"Although there is a great deal of knowledge about HIV and AIDS in society and most people are informed about how it is transmitted and how to protect themselves, around 300 people in Bavaria are still newly infected with HIV every year," said Ms Zurek. "The earlier infections are detected, the sooner treatment can begin and transmission can be prevented."

She added that while HIV infection cannot be cured, it can be treated well in most cases thanks to available therapies, and those affected can achieve a good life expectancy with the right treatment. Because symptoms often appear only after many years, testing is particularly important after a risky contact. The same applies to other sexually transmitted infections, as an untreated infection such as syphilis or chlamydia increases the risk of contracting HIV.

During the testing weeks, the advice centre for sexually transmitted infections at the Health Department is offering more anonymous, free and individual consultations, with testing where needed. No appointment is necessary. The centre can be reached by phone on 233-723333 or by email at [email protected], and further information is available at www.muenchen.de/sti-beratung. Details of the Bavarian HIV Testing Weeks can be found at www.testjetzt.de.