The European HIV and Hepatitis Testing Week runs until 25 November. During this time, people throughout the Czech Republic can anonymously and free of charge check their health status at 97 testing locations. This initiative is coordinated by the State Health Institute in collaboration with the Ministry of Health.
The European Testing Week for HIV and Hepatitis serves as an annual reminder to promote an open dialogue about HIV, free from stigma. This year, the testing week takes place from 18 to 25 November. In all 14 regions of the Czech Republic, at a total of 97 test sites—ranging from fixed counselling centres to mobile testing initiatives—interested individuals can get tested anonymously and at no cost, and can ask questions on these topics.
“We emphasise that anyone can visit the counselling centres anonymously and free of charge. Those tested will be given a number, which they can use to access their results. In addition to HIV, tests for Hepatitis B and C, as well as Syphilis if necessary, are available. Early detection of an infection and prompt treatment are crucial for the patients’ quality of life. If an HIV test result is positive, immediate access to treatment at one of the nine HIV centres is provided,” explained MUDr. Barbora Macková, MHA, Chief Hygienist and Director of the State Health Institute.
The tests include HIV, Hepatitis B and C, and, where necessary, Syphilis. The goal is to detect infections early and start treatment without delay. If an HIV test result is positive, patients are granted immediate access to specialised care at the relevant centres.
A list of all testing locations and their opening hours is available on the website www.tadyted.com. Testing is open to everyone, regardless of nationality, gender, or age. For foreign nationals, basic information about HIV and sexually transmitted infections is available in ten languages on the website. The State Health Institute in Prague, Šrobárova 48, offers counselling daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
In the first three quarters of 2024, 209 new HIV cases were registered in the Czech Republic—12 more than in the previous year. The most common mode of transmission remains sexual contact. Since 1985, a total of 4,828 HIV cases have been diagnosed in the Czech Republic, of which 915 progressed to AIDS.
