Brighton Kemptown MP takes public HIV test in support of National HIV Testing Week

Simon Kirby, MP for Brighton Kemptown & Peacehaven is to take a public HIV test on Monday November 25 in an effort to encourage more local people to test for the virus during England’s second annual National HIV Testing Week from November 22-29. He will attend HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust’s (THT) Brighton centre for a simple finger-prick blood test. His result will be delivered within 15 minutes.

There are around 100,000 people living with HIV in the UK, but a quarter of these people are untested and therefore unaware they have the virus.

Coordinated by THT on behalf of HIV Prevention England, National HIV Testing Week aims to drive down undiagnosed HIV by encouraging those most at risk to get tested in the run up to World AIDS Day on December 1.

To mark National HIV Testing Week, THT will be opening the doors of its Brighton centre from 10am to 8pm from Monday 25 to Friday November 29. During these times anyone who is worried they have been at risk can walk into the centre without a prior appointment for a rapid HIV test1.

Simon Kirby, said: “National HIV Testing Week is a perfect time to focus on the difference a simple finger-prick can make in the effort to stop the spread of HIV. I’m delighted to be able to show my support with my annual test and I hope many people locally will get in touch with Terrence Higgins Trust this November to book their next test.”

Ross Boseley, Health Promotion Specialist for Terrence Higgins Trust in Brighton, said: “We’re thrilled that Mr. Kirby is helping us to put National HIV Testing Week on the map by taking a public test. We know that the vast majority of new HIV transmissions are passed on by people who don’t yet know they have the virus. This special week is an opportunity for the whole country to get behind HIV testing, and get the message out there that getting an HIV test is simple, confidential and free – and it’s the best tool we have to stop the spread of HIV.”

 

For more information about services that THT offers in Brighton, telephone (01273) 764 200

Or EMAIL:  info.brighton@tht.org.uk