Not long after World AIDS Day, Ealing Council has committed to halving late and undiagnosed HIV.
The council unanimously passed a motion on HIV testing in support of the Halve It campaign.
The motion recognises the importance of local action in coordinating and commissioning accessible and effective HIV testing, and outlines a commitment by Ealing Council to strengthening its own provision of HIV testing services through working with local NHS partners, HIV charities and patient groups.
Cllr Hitesh Tailor, tabling the motion, said: “HIV is an increasingly concerning public health issue in Ealing and it is so important to take practical steps to tackle this problem in partnership with local organisations. I hope that Ealing can lead the way for other London boroughs to do the same and support Halve It and its objectives.”
Halve It is a national coalition that focuses on the expansion of HIV testing services, on the basis that early testing of HIV saves lives and also results in substantial savings to the public health budget.
Since its inception in 2010, Halve It has galvanised national and local cross-party support for HIV testing, and is supported in its aims by the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition.
Ealing’s action on HIV testing comes shortly after comments from Andy Burnham, Shadow Secretary of State for Health, who said: “Much more needs to be done to tackle HIV in this country. Everything from awareness around prevention, to early diagnosis, treatment and care. A key part of the solution lies in collaboration across stakeholder groups, nationally and locally. The Halve It campaign is an excellent example of local and national organisations and individuals uniting around an important issue and driving change.”
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