HIV Testing Week starts Saturday 17 November

National HIV Testing Week gets underway on 17 November, calling those at risk from HIV to come forward and have a simple test in a bid to boost detection rates.

This year’s theme is Give HIV The Finger, which aims to demonstrate that getting tested for HIV is as easy as a quick finger-prick test. People who have been diagnosed with HIV can then access free treatment and support.

HIV affects a wide range of communities; especially men who have sex with men and people of Black African ethnic origin. However, HIV can affect anyone.

The good news is that, if you are in a high risk group, or think you may be at risk you can now order a free HIV sampling kit – a simple finger-prick blood test to take in the privacy of your own home. Find out how you can get a test here freetest.me/hiv-postal-test

However, anyone can have an HIV test at a sexual health service.To find out where in Warwickshire you can arrange to get tested for a range of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, visit sexualhealthwarwickshire.nhs.uk

Cllr Les Caborn, Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Health, said: “We know that there are many people who have simply not been detected yet as having HIV. An individual who is diagnosed late is nine times more likely to die within a year of receiving their diagnosis than someone who is diagnosed in good time. The majority of new infections are linked to those who are unaware that they are HIV positive.

“HIV is not the infection it used to be. It can be prevented ensuring a condom is always used. It can be diagnosed with a simple blood test, and treatment is very effective when the disease is picked up early.”

For more information, or to find your local sexual health service, please visit sexualhealthwarwickshire.nhs.uk

The most at risks groups including men who have sex with men, are entitled to a free HIV test, visit: freetest.me/hiv-postal-test