ARMIDALE'S GPs are better trained to recognise symptoms of HIV, according to Hunter New England Health.
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That has led to a higher diagnosis of the virus, the authority says.
It is holding education sessions in Armidale in the lead up to NSW HIV testing week, which runs from June 1 to 7.
Regional director of sexual health Nathan Ryder said the results were a win for the New England.
“What we know is if we diagnose HIV early it can greatly increase [patient’s] life quality and expectancy,” Dr Ryder said.
The free sessions focus on making doctors aware of less obvious lifestyle factors that put people at riskof contracking HIV.
While rates may be higher for drug users or those with same sex male partners, he said doctors must recognise other groups that are at risk of infection as well as getting people more willing to be tested.
“The themes of the sessions are breaking down barriers for testing,” Dr Ryder said.
“In terms of our message, you should be getting tested if you’ve had unprotected sex and you don’t have the other person’s status.”
Dr Ryder said the program also hopes to equip doctors to better manage the diagnosis.
In regional areas like Armidale a general practitioner is usually the main point of contact for someone with HIV.
“That’s the other half of the education program,” he said.
“Doctors need to be confident to continue to look after the person.”
Dr Ryder also said regional areas continue still to lead to isolation in HIV positive patients.
“Geography is a barrier, and there are certain levels of stigma still
“People feel isolated and often can’t speak to their family about it.”
He said he hopes eventually mindsets will change about HIV.
“It’s about trying to get the
message out that it’s a chronic disease - it’s a virus and doesn’t care about people.”