Why don't transgender people get tested for HIV?

As many as 77% of transgender people have never tested for HIV, for 42% infection with this virus is not a cause for concern, while every seventh respondent is afraid of the lack of anonymity during the test, although it is guaranteed in the nationwide network of Consultation Centers -Diagnostic - incl. such disturbing numbers can be found in the Trans-Fuzja Foundation's report prepared on the basis of a survey completed by 423 transgender people. The research was carried out as part of the "Trans Positive Testing" campaign implemented with the funds obtained by the Foundation in the Positively Open competition.

Those study participants who had tested themselves for HIV in the past did so because they care about their health (41%) and their partners (51%). 44% of them performed the test at Consultation and Diagnostic Centers. The reasons for not testing yourself are less optimistic. Almost 90% of these are issues related to sexuality, psychosexual orientation and gender identity, and discrimination on this basis. Almost 30% do not test themselves for fear of costs, although HIV tests in PKD are free for everyone. Nearly 20% fear transphobic behavior on the part of people working at the test site.

These numbers are important because, according to UNAIDS, transgender people are one of the five key populations exposed to HIV infection, which is primarily caused by discrimination and fear of experiencing it. This is confirmed by the report of the Trans-Fuzja Foundation.

It also gives a picture of trans people's access to information on HIV prevention. It shows that - as in the general population - education about this virus is very much needed. Therefore, such an important element of the "Trans Positive Testing" campaign is training on HIV for trans people and specialists who work with them, as well as classes on the needs of transgender people for representatives of organizations dealing with HIV prevention and diagnosis. In total, four such meetings have already taken place. The next ones are scheduled for October.

- Our trainings make it easier for trans people to visit the Consultation and Diagnostic Centers. Although now about half of our respondents are satisfied with the way healthcare professionals address them, it can be even better, says Alina Synakiewicz, co-author of the report, representative of the Trans-Fuzja Foundation. - These activities are also very valuable for people who would like to help, but do not always know what and how to tell transgender people.

- This is a very interesting and important report. It would be good - as its authors postulate - if the persons and institutions running the Consultation and Diagnostic Centers got acquainted with it and expanded their information campaigns so that they better respond to the needs of trans people - summarized Paweł Mierzejewski from Gilead Sciences, coordinator of the Positively Open Program. .

press info