National HIV Testing Week 2013 will run from November 22-29, coinciding with the first ever European HIV Testing Week.
In November 2012, England’s first National HIV Testing Week saw sexual health clinics, community based testing services, national and local HIV charities and support groups team up to improve testing rates among groups at increased risk of infection.
During the week, thousands of people took an HIV test at special events around the country, from GUM clinics offering all-day testing to a new HIV testing world record.
The week was supported by major public health bodies, including Public Health England, the British HIV Association (BHIVA), and the British Association of Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH).
Paul Ward, Deputy Chief Executive at Terrence Higgins Trust, said:
“The first National HIV Testing Week was a great success, and we want this year’s event to be bigger and better.
“There are lots of ways for organisations to get involved, from sexual health clinics and local authorities, to faith-based organisations, charities and community groups. It’s an opportunity for the whole country to get behind HIV testing, and get the message out there that we can stop HIV.”
In the UK, gay men and African communities are the groups most at risk of HIV. Currently, one in four people with HIV remains undiagnosed and therefore more likely to pass the virus on than someone who has tested and is on treatment. HPE’s ‘It Starts With Me’ campaign focuses on curbing new infections by reducing the level of undiagnosed HIV within these communities.
For more information or to register as a participating organisation, CLICK HERE: www.hivpreventionengland.org.uk
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