HIV tests in Schleswig-Holstein: education and prevention required!

HIV tests in Schleswig-Holstein: education and prevention required!

With World AIDS Day on December 1st, the Schleswig-Holstein State Association of Aid Aids took the opportunity to draw attention to the current challenges in dealing with HIV. Managing director Konstantin Kandlen emphasizes that the virus is still an important issue and that it is time to reduce fears and focus more on the importance of regular HIV testing. According to estimates by the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), there were around 97,400 people living with HIV in Germany at the end of 2024, around 8,000 of whom are unaware of their infection. In Schleswig-Holstein there are around 1,190, of which around 190 are uninformed about their status and therefore pose a risk to their health and that of those around them. These numbers make it clear that prevention and education are still necessary.

The current situation in Schleswig-Holstein is alarming. In 2024, 123 new diagnoses were registered, which is 35 more than the previous year. This likely increase in diagnoses makes it clear that support from AIDS organizations is essential in the region. These organizations are not only committed to prevention, but also offer advice and support to people living with HIV. But where should the necessary knowledge about the disease come from? This is where the free, anonymous testing options that are offered at locations such as Lübeck, Kiel and Neumünster come into play. A mobile test bus ensures that access to testing services is also available in cities without permanent offices.

Testing options and education

The AIDS organizations in Schleswig-Holstein are proving to be important contact points. In the offices there is not only the opportunity to get tested, but also individual advice on the subject of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. These services are free and anonymous for everyone. In addition, members of the regional association regularly take part in public events such as the CSD Kiel or the Kiel Week to draw attention to the issue and give affected people a feeling of solidarity.

Particular attention is also being paid to the Checkmobile, which was launched two days before World AIDS Day by Health State Secretary Dr. Olaf Tauras was visited in Neumünster. Louisa Glaum, Checkmobil project coordinator, emphasizes the safety, speed and reliability of the tests. With successful therapy, not only is a long and healthy life possible, but the virus also cannot be passed on.

The importance of prevention

Prevention remains the be-all and end-all in the fight against HIV. Any infection that goes undetected is an avoidable risk. The Robert Koch Institute emphasizes that modern therapies can significantly improve the quality of life of people with HIV, which should encourage everyone to get tested. The World AIDS Day initiatives not only call for awareness but also increased support for people living with HIV.

Overall, it should be noted that HIV is not an issue of the past, but continues to affect our society. The AIDS organizations and their institutions do valuable work to support, inform and advise people. That's why it's important to take advantage of the offers and make a contribution to combating stigma and ignorance. In Schleswig-Holstein, too, we must remain vigilant and speak openly about HIV, because there is definitely still a lot of work ahead of us.

Further information about the testing options can be found on the websites of Aidshilfe Schleswig-Holstein and the [Robert Koch Institute](https://www.rki.de/DE/Themen/Infectious Diseases/Infectious Diseases-A-Z/H/HIV-AIDS/Eckdaten/Eckdaten.html).