HIV testing

This article offers a primer on the immune system. Explains the language of immunology and the processes that occur when we are exposed to infection. 

This article explains AIDS, testing, transmission and treatment. Lists information on safer sex, safer drug use and how to develop consent practices.

Web-based factsheet on why people should be tested for HIV. Includes an audio version of the factsheet.

There is increasing recognition that the HIV epidemic intersects in different ways with the epidemic of violence against women and girls. For example, in studies among women in sub-Saharan Africa, fear of partner’s negative reaction, including abandonment, violence, rejection, loss of economic support and accusations of infidelity were the most commonly reported barriers to HIV testing and disclosure of HIV status. This document summarizes discussions held at a 2006 meeting organized by the department of Gender, Women and Health of the World Health Organization, in collaboration with the Department of HIV/AIDS. It points out operational research gaps and proposes four key recommendations take into account and address intimate partner violence and other concerns related to women in HIV testing and counseling Submit English Resource Record | Canadian Women's Health Networkprogrammes.

Examines the challenges of implementing a program of universal offering HIV post-exposure prophlaxis to at-risk sexually assaulted person's presenting to Ontario's hospital-based Sexual Assault /Domestic Violence Treatment Centres.

Examines the feasibility of a standardized program of HIV counseling for all sexual assault clients and offering post-exposure prophlaxis (PEP) to those at risk. Also determines HIV PEP acceptance and completion rates and establishes their predictors.

Discusses the benefits of HIV testing and treatment during pregnancy as a means of preventing perinatal HIV transmission. Provides some information specific to British Columbia.

Discusses HIV testing during pregnancy, enforcing the message of voluntarism, confidentiality and informed consent. Recommends that Canadian doctors begin to offer routine HIV tests to all pregnant women.

Discusses awareness of gender issues and differences with the disease, as well as challenges of understanding the experiences of those at greater risk of HIV.