HIV In Lebanon: How To Get Tested And Treated

On World AIDS Day, we shared with you a list of organizations around Lebanon that offer free and/or affordable HIV and STI tests. 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. 

So, you got a positive HIV test result after completing the rapid test. What now?

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.

The center will help you schedule an appointment with a doctor.

For your doctor’s appointment, you’ll need the following:

– Your creatinine test results performed at any laboratory

– A copy of your ID, passport, or civil status record

Please note: 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 PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis).

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. 

What about STIs other than HIV/AIDS?

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.

Feeling anxious or confused about the process? Check out these hotlines.

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

Anwar Al Mahabba – 01 391 396

Armenian Relief Cross (ARC) – 01 253 793

HELEM – 01 748 258

SKOUN – 01 202 714

Soins Infirmiers et Développement Communautaire (SIDC) – 01 480 714 / 71 062 321

Vivre positif – 01 591 705

L’Escale Drop-in Centre (DIC) – 01 491 705

Marsa – 01 737 647

Proud Lebanon – 76 608 204

Oui pour la vie – 78 881 331

What happens after PrEP?

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.

For more information about PrEP, check out the detailed graphics shared by Marsa explaining daily PrEP, on-demand PrEP, their side effects, and tips.

For more information about HIV and AIDs, click here.