National HIV testing week encourages people to get checked

The campaign will begin in February to encourage people to get checked

Renaissance, the local activation partner for HIV Prevention England across Lancashire UK, support National HIV Testing Week; the flagship annual event from HIV Prevention England, which seeks to promote regular testing among key populations. It aims to reduce the numbers of undiagnosed people and those diagnosed late.

While new HIV diagnoses in England have continued to fall, the latest data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) report that late HIV diagnoses continue to remain stubbornly high in England.

In 2021, 52.3% of new HIV Diagnosis through sexual transmission was found in heterosexual men and women, with the north of England having one of the highest rates of new HIV diagnosis, outside London. Blackpool has the 3rd highest prevalence of HIV in the Northwest, only taken over by Manchester and Salford and is more than twice the number of all other northwest areas.

HIV effects everyone. To achieve the national target of no new HIV Infections in England by 2030, Renaissance believe that there needs to be more testing, so that those living with HIV can get on effective treatment, where they can then no longer pass HIV to anyone else.

We also need to educate everyone about prevention methods to avoid contracting HIV, such as effective condom use, PrEP and not sharing injecting equipment.

Staff from Renaissance UK and HORIZON, Blackpool’s integrated Drugs, Alcohol and Sexual Health Services, will be working in the community throughout testing weeks, delivering pop up testing and information stations.

Monday 6th February – HIV Testing Week Lauch – Social Media @RenaissaceDLL

Tuesday 7th February - Big Sexy Bus - St Johns Square, Blackpool Town Centre, 11am-4pm

Tuesday 7th February – M2M Clinic, 102 Dickson Road, 5.30pm -7.30pm

Thursday 9th February – Big Sexy Bus - Sainsburys - Bickerstaff Square, 11am–4pm.

Sexual Health Manager of Renaissance UK, Anthony Harrison-West said,

“It’s never been more important to talk about HIV. Advances in prevention, testing and treatment have come so far. With the introduction of PrEP, the free medication that can stop anyone contracting HIV, as well as well as simple treatment for HIV that can stop those living with the condition, being able to pass it on to anyone, means that we can achieve the national target of no new HIV infections by 2030. But we need to keep talking and keep testing. So, I encourage anyone, that has never had a test, young or old, to step up and get a test.” It is estimated that there are over 100,000 people living with HIV in the UK, that don’t know they have it. Early diagnosis is really important, so don’t wait, get a test today”.

Testing for HIV in Blackpool is simple and Free. Speak to the teams at Blackpool Sexual Health Services on 0300 1234 154, or visit the website lancashiresexualhealth.nhs.uk for more information, or to order a free postal testing kit.

Or drop in for a Sexual Health Screen at Whitegate Drive Health Centre, Lower Ground Floor, Monday to Friday, 9am – 11am, with no appointment.

You can also speak to your GP Practice, or Health Centre, about HIV testing, or contact Sexual Health Practitioners at 102 Dickson Road for more information.