The state's public health offices is the point of contact for the AIDS-/STD- specialists of the regional public health offices as well as for other experts and institutions in this field. It offers conceptional support, organises workshops and serves as an interface between the various committees at state and federal levels and the specialists and institutions in the field.

Important information for people seeking advice or wishing to be tested:

If you wish to be tested for HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases, please contact the AIDS-/STD- advisory centre of your local public health offices. Addresses and opening hours can be found to the right under Contact.

What's this about?

Sexually transmitted diseases are infectious diseases transmitted during sexual contact. They are also called STDs (sexually transmitted disease), or STI (sexually transmitted infection). The term STI illustrates that many sexually transmitted infections are symptomless, meaning those who are infected do not notice them, but they can still infect others. Further, STIs may cause severe late-consequences, even if their course is free of symptoms, e.g. infertility in chronic chlamydia infections. It is therefore very important to be well-informed about sexually transmitted diseases, particularly about what preventive measures are available. Most STIs are curable. Some viral sexually transmitted diseases, however, cannot be cured. This still includes the HIV infection, that will - if untreated - lead to AIDS.