Support for more than 35 years
Today, the Düsseldorf AIDS support organisation sees itself as a network for diversity in a society free of discrimination. Originating in 1985 from a self-help initiative, the
association has developed differentiated services for a broader target group. In addition to people who are infected with HIV or have AIDS, this primarily includes the most affected groups of
people such as gay men, bisexual men and men who have sex with men.
For them, there are a variety of counselling and group offers, prevention and education campaigns. With high-profile campaigns, the AIDS support organisation promotes acceptance for those affected by HIV and AIDS and fights against stigmatisation and exclusion.
In the past few years, the Düsseldorf Aids Federation has continuously expanded its field of work. For example, in addition to the Transgender Counselling, it also hosts the PRADI network.
Memorial
NAMES AND STONES is a project by the artist Tom Fecht for the German AIDS Foundation. Since 2000, there has also been such a memorial in Düsseldorf, which was realised above the Rhine steps on Burgplatz. The names of Düsseldorfers and some celebrities who died as a result of AIDS are immortalised on three rows of paving stones. The installation DREIZEILER II has already been extended several times. New stones can also be donated for the 35th anniversary of Aidshilfe Düsseldorf.
Charity
HEARTBREAKER e.V. is the support group of the Düsseldorf AIDS charity. Founded in 1994, the association organises fundraising campaigns and benefit events that raise many thousands of euros annually for a variety of projects for people with HIV and AIDS.
One of the highlights is the HEARTWORK art auction, where contemporary works of art are auctioned off. Renowned artists regularly take part in the benefit event at the Kunstmuseum K21. | www.heartbreaker-duesseldorf.de
Prevention close to the man
Düsseldorf is one of the major cities in Germany particularly affected by HIV and AIDS. In the NRW state capital, the incidence of HIV per 100,000 inhabitants is more than twice the national average. In recent years, however, the number of new infections has been declining, which can be attributed to successes in HIV prevention.
For example, the team of the Düsseldorf AIDS aid organisation has been involved in the nationwide campaign "Herzenslust" by and with gay men for many years. The Health!angels are present at parties and events with colourful activities and distribute cruising packs and information brochures.
Since 2017, the Checkpoint of the Aidshilfe Düsseldorf has offered anonymous and free HIV tests. A great help in the fight against HIV, because only those who know about their infection will not unintentionally pass on the virus. HIV self-tests have also been available without prescription in pharmacies since 2018.
CHECKPOINT
At the CHECKPOINT of the Aidshilfe Düsseldorf, you can get tested anonymously and without registration for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STI) such as syphilis or hepatitis every Tuesday (except on public holidays) from 7 pm to 9 pm. The test offer is aimed at gay and bisexual men. The HIV tests (rapid and laboratory tests) are free of charge.
In addition, Checkpoint Düsseldorf also offers the complete PrEP examination. PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is an effective protection against HIV and has been a statutory health insurance benefit for people with an increased risk of infection since 2019.