Milliband calls for increase in HIV testing

The Labour Party leader Ed Milliband has said that he sees prevention of HIV needing greater emphasis than we currently have in the UK.  He said “Preventing HIV is a far better solution because it’s not necessary for people to become infected.  I think it’s crucial making sure that there is that investment in HIV prevention”.  Public Health England released a report in November 2013 show that new HIV infections in MSM was the highest yet.

It is thought that around 100,000 people in the UK are HIV positive, but between 20,000 and 25,000 of them are not aware of their status. That means that the condition is not being managed, and they are much more likely to pass it on.  These days, the medication is so good, that many people following their medical regime, have such a small amount of HIV in their bodies (called their viral load) that it makes it practically impossible for them to pass the virus on to others.

Early testing is really important in managing your HIV and keeping your viral load under control.  Importantly this means that you will probably lead a normal length of live and not pass the virus on as long as you follow your medication.

Better2Know has clinics across the UK where you can get your HIV test.