World AIDS Day 2017

Today is World AIDS Day, and this year’s global campaign hopes to end isolation, end stigma, and, ultimately, end HIV transmission. At Better2Know, we believe in the normalisation of HIV and AIDS. By increasing awareness and removing any associated stigmas, we aim to improve the health of our patients both in the Middle East and around the world.

Whilst conclusive sexual health data can prove difficult to acquire in certain Middle Eastern nations, the threat of HIV in the area remains ever-present. For instance, countries in North West Africa and the Middle East experienced around 11,000 AIDS related deaths in 2016. In that same year, there were an estimated 18,000 new HIV infections, and the region remains startlingly short of the international ‘90/90/90’ target. The initiative was introduced by UNAIDS in 2014, putting in place three distinct goals:

• By 2020, 90% of all people living with HIV will know their status.
• By 2020, 90% of all people with diagnosed HIV will receive sustained antiretroviral therapy.
• By 2020, 90% of all people receiving antiretroviral therapy will have viral suppression.

It is important to remember that HIV is no longer the debilitating, life-threatening illness it once was. The increase in effective antiretroviral therapies means that the virus can now be properly contained, if it is identified early enough. The sooner an infection is diagnosed and treated, the less chance there is of that individual passing the infection on to another person.

This highlights the significance of regular testing and early intervention. With private facilities in major cities such as Abu Dhabi, Doha, Muscat, and Dubai, Better2Know provides same or next day appointments to patients throughout the Middle East.

Download our free fact sheet for more information on HIV and AIDS. You can also visit our website to learn more about the HIV tests and screens we offer. To arrange an appointment today, contact Better2Know on the telephone number above. A trained sexual health advisor will answer your questions and process your booking. Alternatively, you can book your test online, at any time, by selecting the Book Now button at the top of the page.

Share this...

Facebook

Pinterest

Twitter

Linkedin