National HIV Testing Week starts on Monday 1st February 2021 and runs until the 7th. The campaign aims to promote regular testing to reduce the number of people living with undiagnosed HIV and those diagnosed late. To aid this goal the Sussex Beacon will be sharing information and ideas on social media and directly on their website, helping to increase the visibility of these resources around Sussex and Brighton.
Testing for HIV is free, quick and easy and a finger prick test is all it takes. HIV Prevention England is encouraging people to test at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Safe and confidential HIV postal and self-test kits are available enabling you to take a test at your own convenience.
1 in 16 people with HIV are unaware they are living with HIV as symptoms may take a long time to appear. Late diagnosis rates are still stubbornly high leading to poorer long-term health outcomes and an eightfold increased risk of death – making testing important.
If you have HIV, finding out means you can start treatment, stay healthy and avoid passing the virus onto anyone else. With treatment, people living with HIV can live a long and healthy life. Free treatment and support is available for anyone living in the UK diagnosed with HIV.
Watch a video about National HIV Testing Week!
More resources can be found at:
HIV Prevention England
