Priority Populations Testing & Counselling Programme
Objectives
The Government always accords high importance in the prevention and control of HIV infection, with HIV testing being a key component.
The “Priority Populations Testing and Counselling Programme” is a one-year pilot programme, collaborates with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to provide free HIV and syphilis testing and counselling services for priority populations identified in the “Recommended HIV/AIDS Strategies for Hong Kong (2022-2027)”. This collaboration enables easier access to services, facilitates early diagnosis and promotes better sexual health.
Scope of service
NGOs participating in the Programme will provide the following free services for eligible individuals:
- Sexual health and risk assessment
- Free HIV and syphilis antibody testing
- Risk assessment, and explanation of testing results
- Personalised psychological support and counselling
- Health advice on safer sex
- Referred to other services for prevention, diagnosis or follow-up care arrangement
All services listed above under the Programme are provided free of charge.
Target populations
- Men who have sex with men;
- People of non-Chinese ethnic groups
- Transgender people;
- People who inject drugs;
- Sex workers; and
- Those who were at a higher risk of infection
How to Access the Services
At Service Centres：
Select and contact NGOs of your choice to make an appointment at their Service Centres. Please check with the relevant NGO for details
Outreach Services：
NGOs will deploy outreach teams to communites (e.g. designated venues or events) to proactively provide services for those in need.
Participating NGO
| NGO name | District of service centre |
| Action For REACH OUT | Yau Tsim Mong |
| AIDS Concern | Yau Tsim Mong |
| Gay Harmony | Tsuen Wan |
| Hong Kong AIDS Foundation | Eastern, Yau Tsim Mong |
| SideBySide | Yau Tsim Mong |
| The Society for the Aid and Rehabilitation of Drug Abusers (SARDA) | Kowloon City, Sham Shui Po, Wan Chai |
| SWAN Academy (Zerotopia) | Wan Chai |
| Teen’s Key | Yau Tsim Mong |
Points-to-note:
- Staff from NGOs will wear identification badges for easy recognition.
- Before providing services, staff will briefly explain the services and obtain your consent (verbal consent is acceptable)
- Services include a short online or paper questionnaire to assess your needs and arrange appropriate support. Questionnaire data will be used solely for service provision and statistical analysis, and will be handled in strict confidence.
FAQ
- Is there a charge for the services?
All testing and counselling services under the programme are free.
Some organisations may charge for additional optional services (e.g., other health checks); please enquire directly with the organisation. - Do I need to show identification?
Services are available anonymously, and government departments will not collect identification details. An individual may provide limited contact information (such as a phone number or email address) solely for the purpose of receiving test results or arranging follow up.
In addition, the Department of Health also provides HIV testing and counselling services：
AIDS hotline（2780 2211）
HIV Testing Service website（www.hivtest.gov.hk）