ZONE:

HIV/ AIDS is one of the most important health issues facing gay men today. Recent data shows that the epidemic has started to spread amongst sexually active gay men in many metropolitan cities in Asia, and we need to do something quickly to control it.

Aside from using correct and consistent condom use, knowing your HIV status is the next most important thing you can do to take charge of your life. UNAIDS recommends that sexually active men who have sex with men should have an HIV test at least every 12 months.

Knowledge is power, you owe this to yourself

Positive or negative, knowing your status means that you can take charge of your life and take the steps necessary to stay healthy and live longer.

• If you are HIV positive, you can access the healthcare system and medications that can not only save your life, but possibly even enable you to live out a normal life span.
• If you are HIV negative, it means so far so good, and now you can remain negative by making sure you use condoms 100% of the time, every time you have anal sex.
• If you are like many gay men who enjoy sex, it means you get to enjoy your sex life longer. You will have the knowledge necessary to protect yourself and your partner.
• Reduce stress - ignorance is not bliss, and not knowing one's status can be stressful

Not all gay men have the same sexual habits, and some are more at risk than others.

Instead of referring to 'most at risk populations', we prefer instead to consider the actions or behaviours which might put one at risk for HIV infection. If you have not done anything that might have put you at risk, the need for you to have regular testing is reduced.

What behaviors might put you at risk for HIV infection?

• Unprotected male to male anal intercourse (i.e. no condoms, 'raw', or 'bareback')
• Unsafe injecting drug use
• Unprotected intercourse with your opposite sex partner (if you are bisexual)

If you have done any of the above since your last HIV test, you should definitely consider a re-test.

Where to get tested in Singapore (Source: http://www.hpb.gov.sg/HOPPortal/health-article/6368)

Anonymous HIV testing is offered at the following seven clinics:

Action for AIDS Anonymous HIV Testing & Counselling Clinic
DSC Clinic
31 Kelantan Lane, #01-16, Singapore 200031
Tel: 62540212
Tue & Wed: 6.30pm to 8.15pm
Sat: 1.30pm to 3.15pm
Public Holidays: Closed
Website: http://www.afa.org.sg/anonymous.asp

Anteh Dispensary
368 Geylang Road, Singapore 389381
Tel: 67441809
Mon to Fri: 9am to 12pm, 2pm to 5pm
Sat: 9am to 12pm
Sun/Public Holidays: Closed

Cambridge Clinic
Blk 333, Kreta Ayer Road, #03-27, Singapore 080333
Tel: 63271252
Mon to Fri: 9am to 1.30pm
Sat: 9am to 12pm
Sun/Public Holidays: Closed

Dr Jay Medical Centre
115 Killiney Road, Singapore 239553
Tel: 62355196
Mon to Fri: 9am to 12.30pm, 1.30pm to 4.30pm, 6.30pm to 8.30pm
Sat: 9am to 12.30pm, 6.30pm to 8.30pm
Sun/Public Holidays: 6.30pm to 8.30pm

Dr Soh Family Clinic
Blk 966, Jurong West Street 93, #01-221, Singapore 640966
Tel: 67917735
Mon to Fri: 8.30am to 1pm, 2pm to 5pm, 7pm to 9pm
Sat/Sun/Public Holidays: 8.30am to 1pm
(Closed on Thursday afternoons and Friday nights)

M Lam Clinic
739 Geylang Road, Singapore 389649
Tel: 67481949
Mon to Fri: 9.30am to 12.30pm, 2.30pm to 5.30pm
Sat: 9.30am to 12.30pm
Sun/Public Holidays: Closed

Dr Tan and Partners
11 Unity Street, #02-07 Robertson Walk, Singapore 237995
Tel: 62387810
Mon to Fri: 8am to 3pm, 6pm to 9pm
Sat: 9am to 2pm
Sun/Public Holidays: Closed