Prevention and Examination Centres “Checkpoint”

In 2019 the Foundation supported the operation of the Prevention and Examination Centres “Checkpoint”, the only non-clinical Centres in Greece for prevention, information and promotion of medical screening for the HIV, HBV (Hepatitis B) and HCV (Hepatitis C) viruses. “Checkpoint” provides testing for the above diseases free of charge, anonymously and rapidly, along with counselling for sexual health matters.

These fixed facilities are an initiative of the Association of People Living with HIV in Greece “Positive Voice” and have been operating in Athens since 2012 and in Thessaloniki since 2014. Since 2015, they have received the Best Practice recognition by the World Health Organisation in its annual report, while in 2018 they received the same recognition from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) as well. Aiming at reducing the percentages of late diagnosis of HIV in Greece, “Positive Voice”, with the support of the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation, will introduce an innovative tool to the “Checkpoint” services provided. This tool will be a “voluntary-assisted partner notification system” and will provide the beneficiaries of the “Checkpoints” with the ability to notify their partners anonymously so that they can be tested.

Positive Voice is a non-profit association aiming at ensuring best prevention and provision of information practices, healthcare services and social care for HIV positive individuals and HIV vulnerable social groups. Moreover, it is also working toward social acceptance, solidarity and support of these groups, in order to combat the violations of their dignity and human rights.

• In 2019, a total of 21,214 tests were performed for HIV, HBV (Hepatitis B) and HCV (Hepatitis C).
• In the last four years, 1 in 4 new diagnoses of HIV in Greece has been recorded at “Checkpoint”.