HIV Testing Week launches in Bucks

A National campaign has launched to promote regular HIV testing.

National HIV Testing Week is running from 16-22nd November and features celebrities and influencers promoting 'Give HIV the finger: a finger prick test is all it takes'

This week is a great opportunity for you to get tested and encourage others to do the same, particularly those from the groups most affected by HIV, including gay and bisexual men and black African men and women. 

Figures show 101,600 people are living with HIV in the UK, of them 7800 are currently undiagnosed.

Nigel French from the Terrence Higgins Trust said:

"Once you test you can take control as you will know your status and then you can access any services and HIV treatments as appropriate. 

People are taking their medication as prescribed, looking after themselves and the lifespan of someone living with HIV is just about the same as the rest of the population. Its about getting the message across that while having a diagnosis of HIV is life changing, there is life after diagnosis". 

The number of people diagnosed with HIV is falling, but there is still more work to do.

Late diagnosis is still too high with 43% of people diagnosed late in 2018.

It’s advised to test once a year – or more often if you’ve had unprotected sex with more than one partner.

There is now more ways than ever to get tested including in a sexual health service, at your GP, through community organisations and via online testing.

You can find out more here