{"id":620072,"date":"2023-05-16T11:22:47","date_gmt":"2023-05-16T11:22:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.beirut.com\/?p=620072"},"modified":"2025-10-01T12:08:34","modified_gmt":"2025-10-01T12:08:34","slug":"hiv-in-lebanon-how-to-get-tested-and-treated","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beirut.com\/en\/620072\/hiv-in-lebanon-how-to-get-tested-and-treated\/","title":{"rendered":"HIV In Lebanon: How To Get Tested And Treated"},"content":{"rendered":"

On World AIDS Day, we shared with you a list of organizations around Lebanon that offer free and\/or affordable HIV and STI tests<\/a>. Though it is important to know where to access these services, there is not much knowledge about what to do after receiving a positive test result. While the centers will guide and support you through the process, we thought we would give you as much information as possible about what happens so that you have an idea about what to expect during your next visit.\u00a0<\/p>

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So, you got a positive HIV test result after completing the rapid test. What now?<\/strong><\/h3>

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When a person is diagnosed with HIV, they will require medical care from an infectious diseases doctor. Global recommendations require individuals to start treatment immediately upon diagnosis.<\/p>

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The center will help you schedule an appointment with a doctor. <\/p>

For your doctor\u2019s appointment, you\u2019ll need the following:<\/p>

– Your creatinine test results performed at any laboratory<\/p>

– A copy of your ID, passport, or civil status record<\/p>

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Please note:<\/strong> while the centers offer anonymous testing and post-testing support, bringing a form of identification is required as per the policies of the National AIDS Program (NAP). This will enable you to receive your free<\/strong> PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis).<\/p>

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Individuals can also benefit from psychological and nutritional counseling, which are offered at multiple centers for free through the National AIDS Control Program\/Ministry of Public Health.\u00a0<\/p>

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What about STIs other than HIV\/AIDS?<\/strong><\/h3>

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As for other STIs, antibiotics and other treatments can be purchased from local pharmacies via a subscription from a doctor. Based on the current market rate, these medications cost anywhere between approximately 400,000LBP and 3,000,000LBP.<\/p>

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Feeling anxious or confused about the process? Check out these hotlines.<\/strong><\/h3>

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In case you are in immediate need of support, assistance, or counseling, you can reach out to the following hotlines:<\/p>

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Anwar Al Mahabba \u2013 01 391 396<\/p>

Armenian Relief Cross (ARC) \u2013 01 253 793<\/p>

HELEM \u2013 01 748 258<\/p>

SKOUN \u2013 01 202 714<\/p>

Soins Infirmiers et D\u00e9veloppement Communautaire (SIDC) \u2013 01 480 714 \/ 71 062 321<\/p>

Vivre positif \u2013 01 591 705<\/p>

L\u2019Escale Drop-in Centre (DIC) \u2013 01 491 705<\/p>

Marsa \u2013 01 737 647<\/p>

Proud Lebanon \u2013 76 608 204<\/p>

Oui pour la vie \u2013 78 881 331<\/p>

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What happens after PrEP?<\/strong><\/h3>

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People living with HIV can live long and healthy lives if they are following their treatment and recommendations from their physician. They can have a family, a booming social life, and a successful career. They can also lead healthy sexual lives with the use of protection prevent transmission of HIV or contraction of other sexually transmitted infections.<\/p>