National HIV Testing Week

National HIV Testing Week is a campaign to promote regular testing among the most-affected population groups in England.

David Morris, sexual health outreach worker with NCIC, said: “Regular testing helps to reduce the number of people living with undiagnosed HIV and those diagnosed late.”

“The number of people diagnosed with HIV fell by a third between 2019 and 2020, but there is still work to do.

“One in 20 people with HIV are unaware they have it, increasing the risk of passing HIV on to sexual partners.

“In 2020, 42% of people first diagnosed in England were diagnosed late. This correlates to poorer long-term health outcomes; in 2019, people diagnosed late had more than a sevenfold increased risk of death within a year of diagnosis.

“The number of people testing for HIV in sexual health clinics decreased by 30% in 2020. It is important to remind people at risk of HIV the importance of regular testing and the options available.”

This year, the campaign returns with the successful creative ‘GIVE HIV THE FINGER: a finger-prick test is all it takes.’

** If you would like an appointment or advice around HIV testing or other sexual health related concerns contact 01228 608989 Monday to Friday 9.30am to 4pm. Alternatively, you can book an appointment online. Please do not attend our clinics if you do not have an appointment. **

Fact file

• Testing for HIV is quick and easy with a quick blood test in one of NCIC’s sexual health clinics.
• People can live with HIV for a long time without any symptoms, testing is the only way to know your HIV status.
• If you have HIV, finding out means you can start treatment, stay healthy and avoid passing the virus on to anyone else.
• There are many ways to test – at a sexual health clinic, your GP, through HIV and sexual health charities or by ordering a test online.
• Anyone diagnosed with HIV in the UK can access free treatment and support.

The pharmacies below do finger prick testing: