AHF's European team to provide free HIV testing at 2013 World Out Games in Antwerp

AIDS Healthcare FoundationAug 9 2013

AIDS Healthcare Foundation, the leading global organization providing HIV/AIDS treatment, testing, and advocacy in 28 countries worldwide, will have an important presence at the 2013 World Out Games in Antwerp: at a tent manned by specialized counselors and a doctor, the Foundation's European team will be providing free, confidential HIV testing utilizing INSTI rapid test kits, which provide accurate results in just 60 seconds.

“With a test that takes only 60 seconds, which is done in a friendly, confidential, and caring atmosphere, and is 99.6% accurate, there has not been an easier, quicker and more client-friendly way to learn about your HIV status.”

The free HIV testing, along with private counseling and an abundance of sexual health information, will be provided on August 8^th, 9^th, and 10^th from 14:00 - 20:00 in a tent at the Rainbow Market by multilingual AHF representatives. Additionally, AHF team members will be present for the entirety of the World Out Games (which run from July 31^st to August 11^th) distributing about 30,000 condoms and 5,000 safer sex packets containing condoms and lube.

AHF is partnering with local community-based organization SENSOA Belgium to refer anyone who tests positive for HIV to immediate care. SENSOA representatives will also help AHF distribute condoms and safer sex packets in area gay bars during the event.

Bart Abeel, the chairman of the World Out Games, announced at a press conference on July 30^th that more than 20,000 people from 25 different countries are expected to visit Antwerp for the event. AHF's HIV testing is being offered at the end of the Out Games in an effort to also reach out to visitors who are traveling to Belgium for its Pride Festival, which begins just after the Out Games culmination.

"Knowing your status is the first step to planning better for the future," said Zoya Shabarova, AHF Europe Bureau Chief. "With a test that takes only 60 seconds, which is done in a friendly, confidential, and caring atmosphere, and is 99.6% accurate, there has not been an easier, quicker and more client-friendly way to learn about your HIV status."