Do you know your HIV status?
While the number of HIV/AIDS cases have gone down dramatically, it is still one of the leading natural causes of death in South Africa. In 2017 there were 7.2 million South Africans living with HIV, with a staggering infection rate of 18.8% among adults aged 15 to 49.
Do an HIV self-test at home
Awareness is the first step in combatting HIV/AIDS, but many people still don’t know their HIV status. For this reason, Bankmed offers quick and convenient HIV self-testing in the privacy of your own home. The self-test is a screening test that shows the presence of cells and antibodies in your blood that fight HIV.
While the HIV self-test is accurate, it does not provide a final diagnosis, so follow up with your Healthcare Professional if you have any concerns. A blood test will give you a conclusive result.
Visit our website to see how the HIV self-test works and to order a self-test kit. The kit contains a self-test device and detailed instructions. To protect your privacy, the kit will be delivered to you in unmarked packaging. We will keep your details confidential at all times.
What to do if you test positive
A positive HIV test is not a death sentence. You can still lead a long and healthy life. As a Bankmed member, you have access to our HIV/AIDS Programme, which offers clinically sound and cost-effective treatment suited to your individual needs. To register for the HIV/AIDS Programme, call our HIV/AIDS team on 0800 BANKMED (0800 226 5633) or e-mail us at hiv@bankmed.co.za. Our skilled consultants will assist you in getting the best care possible, with complete confidentiality always guaranteed.
Show your support this World AIDS Day
World AIDS Day, celebrated on 1 December every year, is an opportunity for the community to unite in the fight against HIV/AIDS. It always provides a platform to show support for those who have been diagnosed and to remember those who have been lost to the disease.
You can get involved by wearing your red ribbon on World AIDS Day and educating yourself on the disease. The South African National AIDS Council offers a host of statistics, news and other information relating to HIV/AIDS.