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Last fall, Zurich wanted to make tests for syphilis or gonorrhea free of charge. The project is now being postponed.
The city of Zurich announced its “Swiss premiere” a long time ago: it wanted to test young people for sexually transmitted diseases free of charge, according to a media conference. Because infections with gonorrhea, syphilis and chlamydia have been increasing for several years. The illnesses occur most frequently in Zurich. The largest city in Switzerland attracts many young and sexually active people.
Metropolises like Berlin or Sydney have been using free tests for a long time. Zurich would have wanted to start with this in autumn 2022. But the fight against venereal diseases has been delayed, as SRF has learned. “We won’t start the free tests until June,” confirms project manager Barbara Burri. The reason for the postponement: The city had to wait for an appeal period.
Prevent personal tales of woe
But the time until summer should not pass unused. Personnel are sought and trained, advertising is created. “So people are informed that the tests and consultations will take place in June.”
Legend:
Tests cost 260 francs, which according to the city of Zurich is often too expensive for young people with low incomes and high deductibles.
Keystone / Michael Buholzer
The tests are mainly free for people under the age of 25. It is the population group that has a high risk of sexually transmitted diseases. At the same time, young people often cannot afford the test costs. Especially those people who earn little and have a high deductible from the health insurance company.
Tests are carried out for HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea and hepatitis. These infections often do not cause pain and remain undetected. This is how they are spread unconsciously. The consequential health damage can be great: “It can lead to AIDS, infertility or cancer,” says Burri.
The free tests are intended to prevent personal tales of woe. At the same time, according to Burri, it is also important for society to prevent infections at an early stage. “Aids disease can lead to costs between 800,000 francs and one million. We hope that with free tests we can also reduce costs in the longer term.»
The University of Zurich is providing scientific support for the pilot project, and the Zurich Sexual Health Department is conducting the tests. The pilot project will last three years. In the end, the city of Zurich decides whether to expand the offer. Then in future the entire population could be tested for sexually transmitted diseases free of charge.