Welcome to the AIDS Help Organization of the Märkischer Kreis!
Thank you for visiting us! On this page we would like to give you the essential information about our work and services in English. More and detailed information on HIV and AIDS and where to find advice and help for people who do not speak German can be found here on the website of the Deutsche Aidshilfe, the largest German HIV/AIDS self-help organization.
If you live in the Märkischer Kreis and want to get in touch with us directly, you can reach us at 0 23 73 / 1 20 94 or 0163 / 5215714. You want to talk to a woman? Dial: 0151 / 28384563. If the advice line is not available, please leave us a message on the answering machine. You will be called back as soon as possible!
Every Thursday (except public holidays) we offer open consultation hours in our offices at Twiete 33, 58706 Menden from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Here everyone can talk to us anonymously and free of charge.
See below for other options for quick and competent advice.
About us
We are a registered, non-profit association and in the Märkischer Kreis we take on the various problems related to the topics of HIV, AIDS, other sexually transmitted diseases and coming-out.
We are committed people from different areas who work actively or on a voluntary basis. Others support our association through their membership.
Our areas of work are information, prevention, advice and support.
How do I protect myself?
There is no vaccination against HIV. Therefore Safer sex is still the only way to avoid infection with HIV. There are three safer sex methods that protect against HIV transmission, if used correctly:
You can find more in-depth information on the website of the Deutsche Aidshilfe.
HIV Test
“Could I have been infected with HIV?” Many people who contact the AIDS service organization are asking themselves this very question – because they’ve had unprotected sex, for instance, because maybe the condom slipped or because of another situation that may have put them at risk for HIV.
An HIV test can clarify the situation. If someone is actually infected, then knowing about it brings with it enormous advantages in terms of health. A timely HIV therapy can then protect the immune system from the virus.
Whereas, if an infection is not detected until later, the virus has often already caused serious harm to the body. This can all be avoided with a timely test and therapy.
An HIV test can also be carried out anonymously. The test delivers a reliable result three months after the last risk situation.
HIV tests are on offer at public health authorities and doctor’s offices. In some cases, tests are also offered at AIDS service organizations and establishments for gay men. The Deutsche Aidshilfe at the telephone number 0180 33 19411 can tell you where you can get tested.
Public health authorities provide the test free of charge or for a small fee. The big advantage: you can remain anonymous; you do not have to give your name.
More information about HIV / AIDS
For further information about HIV and AIDS, we would like to refer you to the extensive and constantly updated website of Deutsche Aidshilfe.