Undiagnosed HIV in focus

A new research is trying to identify rates of undiagnosed HIV in Australian gay and lesbian communities. The UNSW-led COUNT study provides free HIV testing who attend gay events, clubs and bars. The hope of the new project, led by UNSW's Centre for Social Research in Health and the Burnet Institute focuses on better identification of the number of gay or bisexual men with HIV virus and to reduce undiagnosed HIV rates. “For the first time we will get a national snapshot of HIV prevalence in the gay community – among both those aware and unaware of their infection”, said Martin Holt, Associate Professor and lead investigator. Men who are willing to take the HIV test are required to provide with a saliva sample and can participate anonymously. There were 1/3 of the participants who were not aware that they have the virus. Professor Holt suggests men to get tested often.