TEST di quasi FINE ESTATE

Here's the translation of the Italian text to English:

On Thursday, September 4th, CAMA LILA volunteers, at the operational headquarters on Via Castromediano 66 in Bari, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM (last test), will offer, to anyone who wants, rapid response HIV and HCV saliva tests, anonymously and free of charge, to promote awareness of one's serological status among the population and to spend the holidays safely.

In Italy, we reiterate that the percentage of late diagnoses is very high and constantly increasing: many people are unaware that they have contracted the virus and only reach the HIV test when their health is already compromised. It is also estimated that most infections are transmitted by people who do not know they have HIV and do not take any precautions.

Early diagnosis offers significant advantages: firstly, the opportunity for people with HIV to receive appropriate care, assistance, and support; furthermore, the timely awareness of having HIV provides individuals the ability to prevent the risk of transmitting the virus to others. It is now clear that to defeat HIV, it is necessary for people unaware of having contracted the virus to undergo testing and thus promptly access treatment.

The test is performed by trained personnel and is accompanied by a counseling interview aimed at assessing the risks taken. Before conducting the screening, it is recommended to abstain from drinking, smoking, and eating for at least 30 minutes.

On Thursday, September 4th, the welcome and acceptance of test requests will take place between 6:00 PM and 7:30 PM (last test); the test result will be delivered 20 minutes after it is administered. If the test is reactive (preliminarily positive), the person will be referred to a specialized center with a facilitated access pathway, where they can undergo a conventional confirmatory test and be enrolled in a treatment program.
Web: www.associazionecama.it