It is National HIV Testing Week! Activities are happening all across the BNSSG region to promote regular HIV testing among England’s most-affected populations and to tackle rates of late diagnosis.

Some key information about HIV testing

-Testing is a key part in the efforts to stop HIV.

 -Testing for HIV is quick, free, confidential and easy.

- People can live with HIV for a long time without any symptoms, testing is the only way to know your HIV status.

- If you have HIV, finding out means you can start treatment, stay healthy and avoid passing the virus onto anyone else.

-There are many ways to test – at a sexual health clinic, your GP, through HIV and sexual health charities, or by ordering a test online.

- Anyone diagnosed with HIV in the UK can access free treatment and support.

This week you can order at home test kits for free from  HIV Prevention England. The testing kits are quick, easy, and delivered to your door in plain packaging. Order one today:

https://www.startswithme.org.uk/

Throughout the week there are local testing and outreach events:

HIV Testing Week: find out where you can get tested - https://www.bristolhealthpartners.org.uk/news/hiv-testing-week-find-out-where-you-can-get-tested/

Outside of HIV Testing Week people can get tested in person through their GP or with Unity via a postal kit or vending machine). People can order a free and confidential postal kit test from Unity Sexual Health here  https://www.unitysexualhealth.co.uk/request-postal-kit-using-online-account/

Or at one of our community vending machines. https://www.unitysexualhealth.co.uk/our-services/unityvendingmachines/

More information about HIV: Terrence Higgins Trust  https://www.tht.org.uk/news/national-hiv-testing-week-returns-2024