Streatham MP Tests for HIV to mark National HIV Testing Week

Streatham MP Bell Ribeiro-Addy has publicly tested for HIV to encourage local residents to follow her lead and get tested for the virus during National HIV Testing Week, which takes place until Sunday (11 February).

Bell tested herself for HIV using a self-test, which is free, easy and provides a result within just 15 minutes and shows how quick and easy testing for HIV now is.

As of 2021, Lambeth had the highest HIV prevalence rate among all upper tier local authorities (UTLAs) and unitary authorities (UAs).

The prevalence of diagnosed HIV per 1,000 people aged 15 to 59 years in 2021 was 12.7, worse than the rate of 2.3 in England.

Last year, more than 1 in 3 HIV diagnoses in Lambeth were classed as late, coming at a point when damage to the immune system had begun. These numbers rise to 44% across England as a whole, with women 51% more likely to be diagnosed belatedly. That’s why getting tested for HIV is vital.

Free HIV testing kits are available to order across England during National HIV Testing Week, with the option of a self-test and result within 15 minutes, or self-sampling option where you send a small blood sample to the lab.

The only way to know that you’re living with HIV is by getting tested. Effective treatment means you can live a long, healthy life with HIV and, once the virus is suppressed, HIV can’t be passed on to partners.

It’s estimated that around 4,500 people in England are living with undiagnosed HIV. To meet our national target of ending new HIV cases by 2030, it will be essential to find everyone with undiagnosed HIV so they can access treatment and can’t pass it on.

Terrence Higgins Trust provides support, information and advice services for those living with HIV and affected by HIV or poor sexual health.

National HIV Testing Week is part of HIV Prevention England, which is coordinated by Terrence Higgins Trust on behalf of the Department of Health. The week encourages people to take a painless, simple and quick HIV test.

Find out more about National HIV Testing Week at www.startswithme.org.uk

Bell Ribeiro-Addy, Labour MP for Streatham said:

“Getting tested for HIV is something I do every year. It’s quick, easy and painless. Anyone can be affected by HIV and it’s so important

for everyone to test regularly. I hope that by testing publicly, I’m doing my bit to remove some of the stigma.

If you have HIV, finding out means you can start treatment, stay healthy, and avoid passing the virus onto anyone else. If you are

diagnosed with HIV in the UK, you can access free treatment and support on the NHS.

Early testing and diagnosis are key to preventing new HIV transmissions. There are now a range of testing options available, whether

at a sexual health clinic or in the comfort of your own home.”

Richard Angell, Chief Executive of Terrence Higgins Trust, said:

“We’re delighted that Bell has taken the time to have an HIV test. This shows just how quick and easy it is to be sure of your status.

Most people who get tested will receive a negative result, but the only way to know is to test.

Today, if you do test positive, effective treatment means you can live as long as anyone else, while also reducing the amount of

virus in your blood to such low levels that you cannot pass on HIV.”

About National HIV Testing Week

National HIV Testing Week is co-ordinated by HIV Prevention England (HPE), a nationally funded programme, funded by the Department of Health & Social Care, designed to complement locally commissioned HIV prevention in areas of higher prevalence.

You can find out more about HPE here: https://www. hivpreventionengland.org.uk/ about

National HIV Testing Week promotes HIV testing, particularly to the groups most impacted by HIV including gay and bisexual men and black African men and women. It promotes the benefits of regular testing and treatment for both the individual and community. The hashtag for this year’s National HIV Testing Week is #HIVTestingWeek

You can order a free HIV postal test at www.freetesting.hiv or find out where to test locally via startswithme.org.uk

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