Screening Network honored by DGS on the 40th Anniversary of HIV Infection
27 Setembro 2024As part of the celebrations for the 40th anniversary of HIV in Portugal, the Screening Network, made up of community-based organizations nationwide, was awarded a prize for its exceptional contribution to the diagnosis and prevention of HIV in the country by the Directorate-General for Health (DGS).
The DGS event marked 40 years since the first HIV infection in Portugal and is part of a series of initiatives aimed at reflecting on the challenges faced. The initiative also celebrates the achievements that have saved thousands of lives and improved the quality of life of people living with HIV.
In a gesture of recognition, the DGS highlighted 40 people and initiatives that have played a fundamental role in the history of HIV, including the Screening Network, promoted by the GAT in partnership with the Institute of Public Health of the University of Porto (ISPUP), for its innovative actions and positive impact in promoting community screening. The award was received by João Brito, Chairman of the Board of GAT.
The Screening Network (Rede de Rastreio) has been a cornerstone in the response to HIV infection and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), contributing directly to the early detection of STIs and referral for treatment and prevention. With an approach focused on key populations, this network facilitates access to community screening and counseling services.
In addition to the Screening Network, Graça Freitas, Joana Bettencourt, Joaquim Machado Caetano, Kamal Mansinho and Margarida Tavares received distinctions. In the posthumous tributes, GAT highlights the distinctions given to Laura Ayres, Maria Odette Ferreira and Ricardo Camacho. Among the entities honored were APECS, ICAD, Infarmed, CAD da Lapa and CAD do Porto.
THE IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNITY SCREENING
The community response of the Screening Network has been transforming the public health landscape in Portugal, with the aim of achieving the goal of eradicating HIV as a public health threat by 2030, as set out by the United Nations.
The Screening Network has promoted the implementation of community rapid testing in Portugal and integrated screening, which takes the opportunity to screen for infections other than HIV, such as syphilis, hepatitis B and hepatitis C.
Community-based screening eliminates barriers and increases accessibility, essentially promoted by the community and for the communities of men who have sex with men, transgender people, people who use drugs, people who do sex work and migrants.
The initiative, which has no active funding, is only possible with the valuable contribution and commitment of the member community-based organizations. The TAO takes this opportunity to congratulate the commitment of the member organizations of the Screening Network.
GAT reinforces its commitment to continue working in collaboration with other organizations, public bodies and the community, maintaining its mission of promoting equal access to healthcare and combating discrimination against people living with HIV and their communities.
40 MILESTONES AND 40 TESTIMONIES WITH A CONTRIBUTION FROM GAT
“40 milestones, 40 testimonies” is one of the initiatives of the celebrations promoted by the DGS, in which several people with an important role in HIV prevention highlight 40 milestones in the 40-year history of HIV in Portugal.
Marta Maia, Vice-President of GAT, highlights the associative and activist movement that was created at the beginning of the epidemic, which had the capacity to advocate for changes to guarantee the human rights of people living with HIV and prevent new infections.
Luís Mendão, GAT's Director of Advocacy and Health Policy, highlights the recognition that people living with HIV and the communities most affected “are an essential part of the response and the solution”, which has also allowed for synergistic work between people and entities interested in cooperating collectively to eradicate HIV.
In addition to the testimonies, GAT is taking part in the digital exhibition that features 40 HIV awareness and information campaigns, with the HIV and Aids Anti-Discrimination Center's “If I were HIV positive?” and “Transmissible” campaigns, as well as the PrEP Afrik campaign.