National HIV Testing Week – do you know your HIV status?
During HIV Testing Week – 10-16 February – Lambeth is joining others to encourage uptake of testing for HIV, share its benefits, and signpost residents to how they can get free and confidential testing.
Though fewer people are being diagnosed with HIV, late diagnoses remain an issue, and some individuals are still unaware they have the virus. Free, confidential testing is crucial for accessing treatment and preventing further transmission.
The benefits of testing
Simply put, the sooner you know your HIV status, the sooner you can get treatment if you need it. HIV treatment is now so effective that people on treatment achieve an undetectable viral load, which means there’s no more risk of transmission.
Most people get a negative result, but whatever happens, it’s important to know that there are prevention options like PrEP (speak to your doctor or sexual health clinic), and that anyone living with HIV in the UK can access free treatment and support.
Dr Ruth Harris, HIV GP Champion for Lambeth, said:
“HIV testing provides the opportunity to know your status and get on treatment quickly. People on effective HIV treatment can live a long and healthy life and cannot transmit HIV.
Increased HIV testing will also take us a step closer to our aim of ending new HIV transmissions in London by 2030.”
How to get free, fast and confidential tests
Testing is quick and easy and it’s recommended that you get tested if you haven’t tested before or your last test was 6 months ago.
You can get tested any time at your GP, at your local sexual health clinic or by ordering a test online that you can do in the comfort of your own home.
Order a test online at It Starts With Me.
Find a local sexual health clinic.
Additional testing opportunities during HIV Testing Week 10-16 February
- If your Lambeth GP is requesting a blood test for you this week, they will offer you an HIV screen as part of this
- The Caribbean and African Health Network will be offering free HIV testing and sexual health information at their stall in Brixton Library, SW2 1JQ on Thursday 13 February from 12 noon to 4pm
- Lambeth’s Health and Wellbeing Bus will have an experienced clinician on board to offer HIV tests alongside the usual information and advice about local health and wellbeing support and services – check bus schedule for locations and times
Complete a survey on HIV services in London
To improve HIV care and prevention services for Black heritage communities in London, PHAST, on behalf of the Do it London Campaign, is conducting a survey. Coinciding with HIV testing week, the survey will remain open until 14 February.
If you are Black African, Black Caribbean, or Black British, over the age of 16, and live, work, or study in London, they want to hear from you. Your insights will directly contribute to shaping HIV services that work better for the community.
Why this is important to Lambeth Together
Lambeth has the highest prevalence of HIV in England, posing a significant sexual health challenge. Despite a substantial decrease in new HIV infections across London over the past decade, testing rates remain low among women and heterosexual men in Lambeth, leading to delayed diagnoses within these groups.
The Lambeth Together Sexual Health Programme aims to decrease the number of STI cases, especially among those disproportionately affected. This collaborative effort, involving partners in Southwark and Lewisham, strives to eliminate HIV-related stigma, transmissions, and deaths within the borough.
Read more about our Sexual Health Programme priorities.