HIV-reactive tests and hepatitis in pharmacies will be linked to SNS

Apeople with reactive results in HIV and hepatitis B and C screenings carried out in pharmacies in the Loures-Odivelas ULS area will have a formal circuit for their forwarding to this health unit.

The measure is contained in a protocol signed today between the Loures-Odivelas Local Health Unit (ULSLOD) and the National Association of Pharmacies (ANF), the first of its kind, which allows for a link between early detection in pharmacies, confirmation and clinical follow-up in the National Health Service.

“The objective is to reduce the barriers that can interrupt the course between the performance of the test, diagnosis and treatment, reducing the risk of loss of follow-up”, highlighted the two institutions in a joint statement.

In practice, given a reactive result obtained in a rapid test, the pharmacist provides appropriate advice and, by consent of the person, activates the referral circuit established with the health services.

The rapid HIV, hepatitis B and C tests are free and accompanied by advice before and after it is carried out, and voluntary and confidential participation can be performed anonymously.

“ A reactive result does not in itself correspond to a diagnosis, making it essential to carry out the confirmation procedures and their clinical follow-up”, the statement said.

According to the two entities, continuity of care is “particularly relevant in the screening of HIV and hepatitis B and C”, taking into account that, despite the progress made, “these infections remain an important public health challenge”.

“Portugal keeps values above the European average in HIV, with a significant incidence of late diagnosis, and there are still people who are unaware of its serological status,” the statement said.

According to the ANF, community pharmacies, due to their proximity and territorial capillarity, allow easy access without prior marking and a “reliance on trust with the population”.

“ These characteristics make it possible to approximate the screening of communities and also reach people who, for different reasons, have less contact with health services or are usually less tracked ", highlighted the association.

The measure is part of the FOCUS programme, which is taking place in acceding community pharmacies in the municipalities of Amadora, Sintra, Odivelas and Loures and is intended for people over 18.

The protocol established between ULSLOD and ANF is a “reference model for articulation” between Community pharmacies and the SNS services, designed to be “tendentially uniform and replicable” and allow for phased implementation in other territories of the country, the two institutions have advanced.