National and European HIV Testing Week 2017

This Saturday signals the start of the 2017 National and European HIV Testing Week (HIVTW). The week runs until Friday 24^th November and aims to raise awareness surrounding HIV, and the importance of regular testing.

The event is co-ordinated by HIV Prevention England, with support and participation from public, statutory and private sector bodies. Hundreds of organisations took part in last year’s highly successful HIVTW, promoting HIV related services and highlighting the benefits of regular testing and treatment for both individuals and the wider community.

At Better2Know, we believe in the normalisation of infections like HIV. As the country’s largest private provider of HIV & STI testing services, our aim is to remove any associated stigmas and improve the health of our patients in the UK and around the world. Furthermore, for each booking we receive for an HIV test or screen, we will be donating to our friends at the Terrence Higgins Trust – the UK’s leading HIV and sexual health charity.

Why is HIV Testing Week Important?

According to statistics published by the Terrence Higgins Trust, black African men and women who have HIV, and gay or bisexual men with the virus, account for 70% of the UK’s HIV positive community. Increasing awareness amongst the most affected groups, such as those listed above, is crucial in combatting these concerning figures. The sooner someone with HIV is diagnosed and treated, the less chance there is of that person transmitting the infection to somebody else. Hence the importance of regular testing and early intervention.

As well as individual HIV testing, Better2Know provides an assortment of comprehensive STI screens, which combine HIV testing with the detection of other harmful infections. One such example is our Early Detection Screen, which also includes testing for Hepatitis B & Hepatitis C. This popular screening option will detect an HIV infection just 10 days after any potential exposure to the virus. This is one of the many, comprehensive screens we have available at our private clinics in the UK, Ireland, and Spain.

Better2Know will keep you up to date with HIVTW 2017, and our donations to the Terrence Higgins Trust will continue until the conclusion of World AIDS Day on Friday 1^st December. To find out more about HIV Testing Week, and how you can get involved, visit the website for HIV Prevention England. Or, to arrange your own HIV test, contact Better2Know’s Patient Services team on the telephone number above. Our friendly and experienced staff will process your booking and answer any additional questions you may have. Call us today or book online.