Pop stars Kate DeAraugo and Paulini have joined forces to raise awareness in Macarthur that a HIV test is now easier and faster than ever before.
As part of this year’s HIV Testing Week – June 1-7 – the Australian Idol contestants will be performing at the Lithgow Street Mall next Wednesday, June 3, between 10am and 6pm.
The two performers will be in Campbelltown as part of the EasyTour state-wide road trip raising awareness about HIV testing.
South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD) Director of Sexual Health Services Dr Chris Carmody said HIV testing had been made very quick and reliable.
“About 10 per cent of people in NSW with HIV may not know they are infected, a statistic we are looking to change.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“Increasing testing rates is vital because HIV is usually transmitted by people who don’t know they have it.[/social_quote]
“Many people have not been tested recently, do not know they have HIV and are possibly transmitting HIV to others,” he said.
Most infections reported in NSW in 2014 were in men having sex with men (79 per cent) with heterosexual cases making up 14 per cent of infections.
Dr Carmody said that in 2014 rates of HIV testing had increased in SWSLHD but more needed to be done.
“As well as gay men, heterosexual people who may be at risk of HIV should be tested. This includes people from countries where there are high rates of HIV infection, and anyone who has unprotected sex while travelling in these countries,” Dr Carmody said.
“Anyone who has had unprotected sex with a high risk person should also be tested.
“The earlier you know your sexual health status and the sooner you see a doctor, the better your outlook,” she said.
Dr Carmody said heterosexual people at increased risk for HIV infection included:
◊ Sexual or injecting partners of people who live with HIV
◊ Frequent or long term travellers, particularly those who have recently travelled to countries with high rates of HIV infection
◊ People who inject drugs
◊ Those who are chronically unwell, where no explanation can be found
◊ People whose sexual partners are from countries or regions with high rates of HIV infection
♦ HIV testing can be provided by any GP. For more information visit:
• Campbelltown Sexual Health Clinic – Rosemeadow Community Health Centre 5 Thomas Rose Drive Rosemeadow, phone 4633 4100;
• http://www.swslhd.nsw.gov.au/communityhealth/sexualhealth
• Liverpool Sexual Health Clinic – ground floor 13 Elizabeth Street (corner of Bigge Street) Liverpool, phone 9827 8022.
