Affinity Health Affirms the Power Of Knowing Your HIV Status

Affinity Health – Leading health cover provider in South Africa – shines a spotlight on the importance and life-saving benefits of knowing your HIV status.

2021’s theme for National HIV Testing Day on June 27th is “My Test, My Way.” There are more HIV testing options than ever before. First for the good news: An HIV diagnosis was a death sentence three decades ago, but that’s far from the case now. Thanks to cutting-edge research, the number of people diagnosed with HIV is declining. People have more access to free antiretroviral treatment and support today than ever before.

We’ve seen incredible innovations emerge in the last few years that are helping to revolutionise the AIDS response. Added to this, the rollout of HIV self-testing kits has enabled people to test for HIV in the privacy of their own homes. This has increased HIV testing rates among hard-to-reach groups.

Now for the bad news: One out of every 16 people living with HIV is unaware that they have HIV, and they go for an average of three to five years before finding out their status, increasing the risk of transmission to sexual partners. Many people are still unaware of what HIV is and how it spreads.

What is HIV?

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) attacks cells that help the body fight infections. This makes a person more vulnerable to other infections and diseases. If HIV is not treated, the immune system will deteriorate and the body will eventually be unable to fight life-threatening illnesses. AIDS develops at the end-stage if HIV infection is not treated, as per Healthline.

When an infected person’s blood, sperm, or bodily fluids enter your bloodstream, HIV spreads. Unprotected anal or vaginal sex, as well as sharing needles or syringes with an HIV-positive person, are the most common ways for this to happen.

Depending on the stage of infection, HIV symptoms differ. Most HIV patients are most infectious in the first few months after infection.

According to the World Health Organization, 1 million people died worldwide in 2016 from HIV-related illnesses. Sub-Saharan Africa accounted for nearly half of the deaths.

With an estimated 7.7 million people living with HIV in 2018, South Africa, unfortunately, has the world’s most prominent and most visible HIV epidemic, according to.

“Regular testing reduces the number of people living with HIV who are undiagnosed or who are diagnosed late,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health. “If you have HIV, learning about your status allows you to begin treatment, stay healthy, and avoid spreading the virus to others.”

Testing for HIV is easy. You can do so at any public health facility or your doctor’s office. You can also purchase an HIV test online or at your local pharmacy. As a result, you can test for HIV in the privacy of your own home. The test consists of a simple finger-prick test that can yield accurate results in as little as five minutes.

It’s critical to know that you’re not alone if you test positive for HIV at home. Make an appointment with your doctor, nurse, or clinic sister as soon as possible to confirm the results of your HIV test with a follow-up test. You will also be put on a treatment plan right away.

“No matter the result, an HIV test provides vital information,” adds Hewlett. “A negative result provides an opportunity to take proactive steps to prevent future acquisition through preventative measures. A positive test result is an important first step in getting the help you need to live a long and healthy life.”

Affinity Health has an HIV Management Programme to assist members with managing their condition by giving them the proper tools. The treatment is inexpensive and easily accessible, and it is prepared in accordance with the Southern African HIV Clinicians Society’s guidelines.

Benefits are available by policy type – Standard (Combined, Hospital, Day-To-Day), Senior (Combined, Hospital, Day-To-Day), and Junior (Combined, Hospital, Day-To-Day).

Read More: HIV Benefits from Affinity Health

About Affinity Health

Affinity Health aims to provide premier quality, affordable medical insurance to South Africans. We strive to give our clients peace of mind and the highest standard of service when they are faced with injury or illness. We work to deliver innovative solutions that are simple, cost-effective, and proven, so our cover is structured to ensure that you get exactly what you need. For more information, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.