AIDS; counseling

People living with HIV, as well as their relatives, partners and anyone else who has questions on the subject can contact a counseling center.

In addition to the 76 state and municipal health authorities, 9 psychosocial AIDS counseling centers and AIDS service organizations are available to provide information about HIV/AIDS to people living with HIV, their relatives, partners and anyone else who has questions on the subject. With at least one psychosocial AIDS counselling centre in each administrative district, with the exception of Lower Bavaria at present, Bavaria has established a nationwide, specialized information and counselling service. The advice centers, health authorities and AIDS service organizations provide advice by telephone and in person and hold educational events on HIV/AIDS. In addition, the health authorities offer free, anonymous HIV antibody tests if required.

The aim of the advice and support is to ensure that those directly or indirectly affected by HIV are not left alone with their fate and to strengthen their motivation to act in a health-conscious and responsible manner.

From the age of 16, those insured under the statutory health insurance scheme with a substantial risk of HIV infection are entitled to medical advice, necessary examinations and, after consultation, also to the provision of prescription drugs for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Adults pay the statutory co-payment for the medication.