Pioneering new HIV test could end city's prolonged sexual health problem

[dutchman]

A Coventry nurse is hoping a pioneering new test to uncover undiagnosed cases of HIV can reduce the virus spreading across the city.

Supported by volunteers and in collaboration with Coventry City Council, Travel Klinix are on the lookout for an army of HIV testing volunteers to help reduce the rate of the virus in the city.

Latest figures revealed three in 1,000 residents in Coventry are diagnosed HIV positive – the highest rate of HIV in the West Midlands.

Further stats show that one in four of those infected by HIV remain undiagnosed, meaning it’s likely that a significant number of people in Coventry are unaware of their disease status.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence say areas with HIV rates above two per 1,000 should increase access to testing.

Aileen Ni Chaoilte, a travel health nurse specialist at Travel Klinix, told The Observer she is targeting high risk groups in Coventry.

She said: “This is a new and exciting step for Coventry and we believe this project will be a success in increasing awareness about HIV as well as helping people access HIV testing.

“We want to make HIV testing more accessible to the public and want them to be open to the idea too.

“There’s a lot of late diagnosis in Coventry and plenty of people that haven’t been diagnosed with HIV in the city.

“It can be harder to treat with late diagnosis, and those people who do have HIV could be passing it on.”

Unlike the usual test for HIV, Travel Klinix are using oral swabs so those with a fear for needles will be more willing to participate in testing.

Not only is Aileen hoping to test more people in Coventry than ever, she is also aiming to set up a stand offering health advice at various community events.

She added: “We want regular people to come forward and volunteer, no medical training is required and if you have a fear of needles that’s not a problem.

“Volunteers are crucial to the success of this campaign, we’re hoping to target community events and access the residents if Coventry.

“Our work with the Council has been great and they’re taking a strong approach to the idea, this project can work.”

Visit Travelklinix.com/volunteer if you’d like to volunteer for Travel Clinix or find out more about the project.