Nightclubs to host STD-testing parties

6 August 2004

AMSTERDAM — Nightclubs in the Netherlands are to be asked to host special ‘jab parties’ to test their clientele for exposure to the HIV virus and other sexually-transmitted diseases, it was reported Friday.

A trial of the ‘prikparty’s’ — prik being the Dutch for jab or hypodermic – in Twente province has proved such a success that other health boards want to use the method, newspaper De Telegraaf said.

The national health authority GGD Nederland told the paper that it was a keen supporter of holding such parties in nightclubs, bars and cafes around the country.

Partygoers could shortly under go simple blood tests to test for exposure to the HIV virus, which can lead to Aids, and for other sexually transmitted diseases.

GGD Nederland is the umbrella organisation for Holland’s 40 health boards.

“This fits perfectly with the health service’s aim to use prevention to halt the further spread of infectious illnesses. Already house parties are being visited to disseminate information about drugs and unsafe sex. So why not HIV tests?” GGD spokesman Martijn Sobels told De Telegraaf.

Henk Krol, editor-in-chief of the gay newspaper Gaykrant, told news agency Novum that the prikparty idea was a good one and could prevent people becoming infected.

“When you know you have Aids it is primarily your responsibility to ensure that others don’t get infected,” he said.

Aids Nederlands and other voluntary groups are working with the health boards to develop a protocol on running the parties. It is scheduled to be ready by the autumn.

Subject: Dutch news + STD testing + HIV + Aids