H-TEAM

The number of people living with HIV in Amsterdam is relatively high. Furthermore, despite all the interventions currently available, new HIV infections continue to occur and people with an HIV infection still often enter care at a late stage of infection. The H-TEAM was set up to change this situation. Together we are working on a future with no new HIV infections.

Unique initiative

The H-TEAM combines various innovative interventions to prevent transmission of the virus by promoting prevention, earlier HIV testing and immediate treatment of infections. In addition, the H-TEAM specifically targets higher-risk groups such as men who have sex with men and people from regions with a high prevalence of HIV.

Collaboration

The H-TEAM originated and was launched in Amsterdam and represents a city-focused approach to the HIV epidemic. The H-TEAM works closely with various other large cities and, where possible, strives to ensure that the H-TEAM campaigns reach a nationwide audience. This targeted approach places the H-TEAM initiative on the frontline of the global fight against HIV.

Our goals

1) Targeted prevention
The sooner we can prevent new HIV infections, especially in high-risk groups, the sooner we can halt the epidemic.

2) Rapid detection and treatment
Early, or earlier, detection and start of treatment will help to maintain the health of people with an HIV infection and reduce the risk of HIV transmission.

Our approach

The H-TEAM is based on 5 cornerstones that, through a unique combination of targeted collaboration and focused interventions, could drastically reduce the number of new HIV infections.

PrEP and HIV prevention care: preventing infections
Faster and more frequent testing: the earlier an HIV infection is detected, the better
Awareness raising and treatment: the H-TEAM raises awareness on HIV and the importance of early treatment
Starting treatment early: the earlier HIV treatment is started, the better
Research on the effect of very early treatment on HIV and the immune system
0
411 people are diagnosed with an HIV infection each year in the Netherlands.

* (SHM, 2021)

0
1640 people in the Netherlands don’t yet know that they have an HIV infection

* (SHM, 2021)

1 in 30
More than 1 in 2 people get tested too late and enter healthcare with an advanced HIV infection

* (SHM, 2021)