Madrid Positivo + Gilead
FOCUS
Strengthens screening for HIV and hepatitis B and C, and linkage to a first appointment for people with limited access to healthcare.
Madrid Positivo · Mobile Screening Unit
Projects that bring care closer.
Community work, research and partnerships to improve access to healthcare.
Underway
Partnerships that extend the model’s reach.
Local action connects with public health, research and European innovation.
Explore FOCUS
A European network of mobile medicine
MOBHOPE
Units in Spain, Portugal and Croatia are developing protocols, training, indicators and tools for a transferable European model.
Information, detection and access
Romanian community
Collaboration with the Consulate General and Romanian community organizations to bring health information and early detection closer to people through cultural mediation.
Prevention and early diagnosis
A new regional phase
In 2026, the unit begins a new phase to bring rapid testing, prevention advice, community mediation and referrals for HIV and other STIs closer to people.
Test, treat & retention
SIMPLIFIED
The GeSIDA 122-21 study evaluates a model for rapid access to antiretroviral treatment through street outreach teams and a mobile unit, with a particular focus on retention in care.
Madrid Positivo + FOCUS
Screening is just the beginning. The first appointment completes the pathway.
Since 2025, the Mobile Screening Unit has participated in FOCUS, Gilead’s public health initiative promoting best practices in screening, diagnosis and linkage to care for HIV, hepatitis C and hepatitis B.
Trust and local presence
Identifies high-impact settings, works with local organizations, carries out screening and supports each person.
Screening and first appointment
Supports HIV, HCV and HBV testing and effective linkage to care through to a first medical appointment.
Continuity of clinical care
Confirms diagnoses, assesses each case and provides treatment and follow-up within the public healthcare network.
From the community to the hospital
An active pathway, not just a referral on paper.
The partnership turns community outreach into a structured gateway to the healthcare system.
Explore the FOCUS program- 01High-impact setting
Shelters, day centers, community kitchens, streets and community services.
- 02Rapid test
Accessible, confidential screening for HIV, hepatitis C and hepatitis B.
- 03Result and advice
Clear communication, assessment of needs and immediate activation of the care pathway.
- 04First appointment
Scheduling, care navigation and connection with the clinical team that will provide ongoing care.
2026 operational results
A model that combines outreach and linkage to care.
hepatitis C screenings
87 active infections · 87 first appointmentsHIV screenings
3 new diagnoses · 83 people re-engaged in carehepatitis B screenings
23 positive results · 23 first appointmentsOperational figures included in Madrid Positivo’s presentation for the FOCUS Partner Summit 2026. FOCUS support ends with linkage to the first appointment; subsequent treatment is not funded by FOCUS.
Working as a network
No mobile unit moves forward alone.
Local outreach works when communities, public health services, hospitals and research share a common care pathway.
Community of Madrid and SERMAS
Prevention, early diagnosis and referral to the healthcare network.
Infanta Leonor and Gregorio Marañón
Diagnostic confirmation, treatment, follow-up and applied research.
Social organizations and services
Shelters, day centers, community kitchens, associations and street outreach teams.
Ares do Pinhal and Hepatos
Cooperation with Portugal and Croatia through the MOBHOPE project.
Local action and partnerships
Practical cooperation in different settings.
The unit adapts each intervention to the local area and coordinates its work with municipal initiatives, harm reduction services and community organizations.
Fast-Track Cities
Participation in the Fast-Track Cities initiatives in Madrid and Alcorcón, connecting the local HIV response, diagnosis and linkage to care.
Polígono Marconi
STI screening activities with Asociación In Género, using an accessible approach adapted to the local context.
Cañada Real
A regular presence that complements the work of the Community of Madrid’s Mobile Harm Reduction Unit and municipal services with distinct roles and management, such as the Unidad Móvil Madroño and the Centro de Reducción del Daño y Prevención de Sobredosis.
ISGlobal · Madrid City Council
Vaccination and screening in a single visit.
Together with ISGlobal and Madrid City Council, the Mobile Unit developed an intervention for populations in highly vulnerable situations that combined COVID-19 vaccination, hepatitis C and HIV testing, and linkage to care.
101participants in Madrid
100%accepted vaccination and screening
9active HCV infections
8HCV treatment initiations
Screening was integrated into the observation period after vaccination, using the same visit to prevent disease, diagnose infections and facilitate access to care.
News
The unit on the move.
MOBHOPE: European projects tackling viral hepatitis
HaDEA highlights the role of mobile units in reducing inequalities and improving access to diagnosis and care.
Read moreNew avenues for collaboration with the Romanian community
Romanian organizations, the Consulate and UMC are exploring culturally adapted information and detection activities.
Read moreMadrid Positivo joins the FOCUS program
The collaboration strengthens screening and linkage to care for HIV and viral hepatitis in the Community of Madrid.
Read more