ETW 2025 d’Autunno: è tempo di test!

The European Testing Week 2025 will take place from November 17 to 24 and is aimed at promoting early diagnosis of HIV, viral hepatitis, and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) among the most vulnerable populations and the general population. "Test Treat Prevent" is the classic slogan of ETW, a catchphrase but also a program that succinctly summarizes its objectives.

Twice a year, in spring and autumn, hundreds of associations, communities, and public and private health and social services join forces across the WHO European region, creating one of the most significant global mobilizations for public health. The initiative is promoted by EUROTest.

Increasing the availability of testing and raising awareness of the importance of early diagnosis are fundamental actions to facilitate timely access to existing treatments and care, with enormous benefits for public health, prevention, and the health of individuals. Unfortunately, a significant portion of these Sexually Transmitted Diseases remains diagnosed late or undiagnosed, a phenomenon that undermines people's health and continues to grow exponentially, according to the latest available data. In Italy, for several years now, about 60% of those discovering they have HIV are already in AIDS or close to this condition, thus having a severely compromised health state. This is an unacceptable statistic in light of available therapeutic and preventive opportunities. An even higher percentage is seen in diagnosed hepatitis cases. In the EU/EEA alone, at least five million people live with hepatitis C or B, but over 60% have never received a diagnosis.

Therefore, it is crucial to make known that these infections can be treated or effectively cured if diagnosed promptly. In the case of HIV, available drug treatments allow, in almost all cases, to reduce the viral load in the blood to such low levels (viral suppression) that the virus becomes non-transmissible, even in case of unprotected sexual intercourse. This is the scientific evidence of U=U, Undetectable equals Untransmittable, meaning if the virus is undetectable, it is not transmissible. Hepatitis B can also be effectively controlled with appropriate therapies, while hepatitis C can be completely cured with available drugs.

Another fundamental goal of the European Testing Week is to raise awareness not only among populations but also institutions and governments to expand the offer of tests, support a diverse range of services, including those by non-health organizations, and promote the removal of all barriers that prevent access to testing.

The CAMA and LILA of Bari issue a warning in this regard, as our Region has an AIDS Regional Commission that has not met since before Covid, and despite requesting it for a long time, it is one of the few Regions in Italy that has not initiated the process to economically support Associations in purchasing diagnostic tests. Yet, requests for tests by students and other associations in the area are skyrocketing, with LILA of Bari being the only one in the South authorized by the Superior Institute of Health to conduct rapid HIV tests and other STIs in a non-health setting. Additionally, obstacles to accessing services include the requirement for prescriptions, copayments, documents proving citizenship, lack of confidentiality and/or anonymity, inconvenient hours, often judgmental and stigmatizing service environments, language barriers, and lack of cultural mediation for foreigners. These barriers are particularly burdensome for the most exposed populations, the so-called Key populations, who instead need to be reached and welcomed.

CAMA and LILA of Bari, which have been offering free and anonymous testing services for years, almost entirely self-funded, will increase the offering of rapid HIV (saliva and fingerstick) and syphilis (fingerstick) tests throughout the week with external initiatives. Those who approach our testing services will be offered pre- and post-test informational and counseling sessions. In case of a reactive result, individuals will be supported and guided in accessing public services for potential confirmation tests, case management, and therapy access. Every meeting becomes, in any case, a valuable opportunity for prevention and person-centered information tailored to each individual's needs.

Here are all the times, addresses, and dates to get tested with us:
Monday, November 17 from 11:30 to 13:00 at the Language University (Via Garruba, 6 - Bari)
in collaboration with Udu Link Lingue
Wednesday, November 19 from 12:00 to 14:00 at the MIXED Association headquarters (Via Abbrescia, 13 - Bari)
in collaboration with MIXED LGBTQIA+
Friday, November 21 from 18:30 to 20:30 at Piazza Umberto - Bari
in collaboration with the Street Unit of the Social Cooperative CAPS
Web: www.associazionecama.it