Without Money, Without a Name, Without Direction: Residents of Latvia Are Tested for HIV

Riga Eastern Clinical University Hospital (Gaiļezers) invites residents of Latvia to take free tests for hepatitis C and HIV as part of European Testing Week from May 25 to 29. Anonymity is promised.

Vadim Belun, Chairman of the Board of the Eastern Hospital, believes that such initiatives help the population check their health in a simple and accessible way and quickly receive assistance from specialists if necessary.

Tests can be taken at three sample collection points of the Eastern Hospital, with prior registration by phone at 6000 9970 (on weekdays from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The operator will inform you of the available appointment times).

You Can Get Infected Accidentally

The hospital explains that the risk of contracting hepatitis C may be associated with situations involving contact with blood, including cosmetic procedures, tattooing, sexual contact, and in some cases, medical manipulations.

At the same time, effective methods are now available for the treatment of both hepatitis C and HIV. Hepatitis C therapy has become shorter and is well tolerated, while HIV infection, with appropriate therapy, is a manageable chronic condition.

If the Test is Positive...

Every person who undergoes testing at the Eastern Hospital will be provided with information on further actions in case of a positive test result.

In such a situation, it is important not to delay contacting a family doctor for a referral and to schedule an appointment with an infectious disease specialist at the Eastern Hospital.

Clinic representatives also remind that free and anonymous testing for hepatitis C and HIV is available throughout Latvia at prevention points. Information about them is available on the website of the Disease Prevention and Control Center - spkc.gov.lv in the section "Find the nearest HIV prevention point" / "Atrodi sev tuvāko HIV profilakses punktu."