13 April 2010

NHS Lambeth launches HIV screening scheme

NHS Lambeth launches HIV screening scheme

6:40am Tuesday 13th April 2010
A new scheme making it easier for African and African-Carribean residents to get tested in Lambeth has been launched.
NHS Lambeth believe there are more than 1,000 people in the borough with HIV who are undiagnosed.
Lambeth already has one of the highest rates of HIV in Europe, with more than 2,500 people diagnosed with the virus.
The new “Safer” scheme will give residents the chance to have a free mouth swab test from 6pm to 8pm at specialist black HIV centre Shaka Service in Kennington Park Road.
If the test shows the presence of HIV antibodies, within 30 minutes a blood test will confirm diagnosis and treatment can begin.
Dr Hiten Dodhia, consultant in public health medicine at NHS Lambeth, said: “The Safer testing project complements our existing HIV testing services in a number of local GP surgeries, other community settings and local hospitals.
“Early testing and diagnosis offer immediate access to life saving treatments that will help deliver better health benefits, a longer life and most importantly prevent onward infection of the virus.”
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