Aidshilfen are counselling centres for sexual health, AIDS support and prevention. They offer anonymous and free information and counselling on the following topics:
- Sexual health
- Testing for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- Medical treatment of HIV and STIs
- Living with HIV
- Sexual self-determination
- Diverse ways of living
- Protection from discrimination
All information you provide will be treated confidentially. You do not need to tell us your name when you are talking to us. We will not forward your personal data to any other person, institution or authority. Aidshilfen are non-governmental organisations, not government agencies.
Do not hesitate to contact Aidshilfe if you have any questions regarding HIV or other STIs. Information and counselling on ways of transmission, prevention, testing and treatment is free and confidential. You do not have to give your name.
If you want to know your HIV status or whether you have acquired any other STI you can get tested. Such tests can be carried out anonymously at several Aidshilfen (local counselling centres for sexual health) or public health agencies. Your local Aidshilfe will provide you with information on where you can get tested for HIV or other STIs.
Have you been diagnosed with HIV? Or someone you are close to? ‘Aidshilfe’ support centres offer counselling and support.
Many people with HIV experience rejection and discrimination in their everyday lives. This can happen within the family or in the job. Sometimes even doctors refuse to attend to people with HIV. This kind of discrimination is prohibited by law. Discrimination on the basis of HIV is not okay!
Have you experienced discrimination because of your HIV infection? Are you thinking about taking legal action? Do you need help to find another solution? Your local ‘Aidshilfe’ support centre is happy to provide counselling and can help you exercise your rights.
If undiagnosed or left untreated, an HIV infection will have severe health effects, cause AIDS and eventually be fatal. However, people with HIV can live a normal life just as any other person without HIV if they undergo a lifelong treatment with daily medication. As medical HIV treatment is not available in every country, an HIV infection might constitute a reason for being granted asylum. Please contact your nearest Aidshilfe for further information.
Your sexual orientation or sexual identity …
- must never be the reason for being verbally or physically assaulted. Contact the nearest counselling provider or Aidshilfe for support if you have become the victim of an attack or abuse.
- might constitute reasons for asylum in Germany if you have been persecuted in your home country. Helpful information in various languages is available at www.queer-refugees.de