Maggie Throup OBE MP, Member of Parliament for Erewash is urging residents to get tested and know their HIV status during National HIV Testing Week 2024 (5 – 11 February).
This campaign aims to promote regular HIV testing in England, particularly among groups most affected by HIV, including gay, bisexual men and heterosexuals of Black African ethnicity. Testing for HIV is quick, free, confidential and easy.
Maggie said:
Perhaps my greatest achievement during my tenure as Minister for Public Health was to launch the Government’s National HIV Action Plan with the aim of achieving zero new HIV transmissions in England by 2030.
The HIV Action Plan is backed by £23 million of funding to support the scaling up of HIV testing in targeted, high-risk populations and increasing access to the antiviral drug PrEP.
Despite the implementation of the HIV Action Plan and the recent announcement that the Government is investing a further £20 million to fund the expansion of the opt-out blood borne virus testing programme for HIV, there are still 4,500 people living with undiagnosed HIV in England.
“To end new HIV transmissions, we must find each and every undiagnosed person, ensuring they are receiving the care that they need. Therefore, it is essential that as many people as possible get tested.”
There are many ways to test for HIV – at a sexual health clinic, General Practice, through HIV and sexual health charities or by ordering online. Erewash residents can order a free at home HIV test here.