HIV in Europe November 2009, Stockholm

The Momentum ensued since 2007 – The Need for Political Action?

HIV Portugal - Follow-up and community priorities

Luís Mendão - GAT/EATG/ HIV Portugal Steering Committee

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HIV Portugal 2009preliminary comments

Portuguese conference community-driven

Linked with priorities and objectives of HIV Europe but part of the Portuguese community strategy

Main aims: human rights and evidence-based HIV policies and programmes

Multi-stakeholder participation and involvement

Political high-level leadership: All-Party Group on HIV/AIDS was established

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HIV Portugal 2009March 27-28 2009

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HIV Portugal 2009 Programme

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Conference commitments

Conference commitments subscribed by the National Aids Commission Free HIV testing is granted from now on, as part of a set

of measures to ensure the universal right to prevention, care and treatment, in respect of human rights, test only being performed on voluntary bases and with counseling.

HIV testing is not, in itself and for itself, a prevention measure. It must be performed taking all possible advantage from the promotion of effective prevention measures and risk reduction.

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Portuguese guidelines to be published in 2009 for HIV detection, screening and diagnosis, in order to harmonize the best scientific knowledge available with national specific characteristics.

NAC commits to nominate a Council of Experts, incl. primary HCP, Civil Society and PLWHA, to define mandatory standards to perform testing in Community Healthcare Units, anonymous HIV Testing centers and informal out-reach health structures.

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Conference commitments

Till 2012, to reduce to 40% the percentage of people living with HIV with a cell count below 350 CD4 at diagnosis

NAC commits to follow-up and publishing of the number of tests carried on and the conditions provided for that purpose, on an annual basis

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Conference commitments

Lisbon, 28th of March, 2009

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Portugal needs to revise the legislation to allow testing and counselling in informal settings

Guidelines for indicator diseases and public health system provider initiated voluntary testing must be approved and implemented

A check-point for MSM has been approved to start

Where we are today?

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Thank you!Any questions?