Ahead of World AIDS Day, the European HIV testing week 2014 will unite policy makers, healthcare professionals and civil society organisations to promote and increase HIV testing across the 53 countries of the WHO European Region. The theme for European HIV testing week 2014 is ‘Talk HIV. Test HIV.’ – with theaim to increase positive dialogue among those who ought to be tested for HIV and those who offer tests.

From 21 to 28 November, European HIV testing week 2014 provides policy makers with an ideal opportunity and a platform around which you can address and discuss these important public health issues.

Increasing access to and acceptance of early HIV testing needs to remain a priority for governments across Europe, where 2.3 million people are living with HIV.

ECDC and WHO data show that as many as 50% of people diagnosed with HIV are diagnosed late, resulting in increased morbidity and mortality, a higher risk of onward transmission and increased costs to the healthcare system. It is much more cost-effective to introduce HIV testing initiatives because treatment costs for those diagnosed late in the course of their infection can be three to four times higher than treating those diagnosed early.

ECDC supports European HIV testing week 2014, which is coordinated by the HIV in Europe Initiative* and relies on Participating Partners from across Europe to sign up to Testing Week and organise local HIV-related activities best suited to their needs and areas of expertise.

You, too, can actively show your support for this initiative to Participating Partners in your country by simply signing up through the Testing Week website at: http://www.hivtestingweek.eu/home

*About HIV in Europe

HIV in Europe is a pan-European initiative initiated in Brussels in 2007. The initiative provides a European platform for exchange and activities to improve early diagnosis and earlier care of HIV across Europe. The initiative is directed by an independent group of experts with representation from civil society, policy makers, health professionals and European public health institutions.

HIV in Europe is not an organisation, but an initiative formed to inform processes, share knowledge and improve the evidence base around important issues of earlier testing and care. It is unique in its collaboration between stakeholders at a clinical, advocacy and public health level.