Partnerships join together to raise awareness for HIV Testing Week
Sexual health specialists across Devon are encouraging more people to take an HIV test.
Devon Public Health, Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust and The Eddystone Trust are joining forces to raise awareness of HIV testing, ahead of National HIV Testing Week, which runs from Friday 22 November to Friday 29 November.
The week is aimed mainly at high-risk groups such as men who have sex with men (MSM) and black Africans, who make up seven in 10 of those in the UK living with HIV (diagnosed and undiagnosed).
But the agencies are keen to encourage everyone who is sexually active to get tested.
Councillor Andrea Davis, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “We’re really pleased to be working alongside the Eddystone Trust and Northern Devon Healthcare Trust to make sure HIV testing is available for everyone, but particularly those who are most at risk.
“As part of our new responsibilities for protecting the health of people in Devon, we need to ensure people have timely access to appropriate sexual health services including advice, support and screening.”
Tests can be taken at the various satellite clinics run by Northern Devon Healthcare Trust across Devon.
The Eddystone Trust will also be offering a pilot scheme of HIV testing in community settings for individuals in Plymouth, Devon and Torbay.
Dr Sophia Davies, consultant in sexual health and HIV medicine for Northern Devon Healthcare Trust, said: “The awareness week offers us an excellent opportunity to promote HIV testing here in Devon, not just for men who have sex with men and black Africans but for anyone who has a concern about their sexual health.
“We aim to normalise testing so that people’s attitudes towards it is no different from, say, visiting the dentist every six to 12 months.
“We know that early diagnosis and treatment is vital, leading to much better outcomes and reducing the risk of it being passed on to other people.
“People living with HIV who follow the recommended advice about treatment live healthy lives and have close to normal life expectancies.
“If anyone would like to take an HIV test or has a general concern about their sexual health, we would encourage them to drop into any of our satellite clinics for free, friendly and confidential advice.”
Mags Davies; Director of The Eddystone Trust, said: “National HIV testing week is an opportunity to remind you that HIV can affect anyone. The only way to know if you have HIV is to get a test.
“24% of people with HIV don’t know they have it, so it really is worth knowing the facts about HIV and keeping yourself and your partner safe.
“There is no cure or vaccine for HIV, but treatment has improved since the 1980s. However reducing the stigma and discrimination has got a long way to go.
“If you haven’t updated your knowledge about HIV, it might be time to.
“World AIDS Day is marked across the globe. We remember the 35.3 million people who have died of AIDS –related illness and renew our commitment to fight for the living. In the UK there are over 100,000 people living with HIV. We wear the Red Ribbon as a symbol of hope and remembrance.”
For more information, visit www.northdevonhealth.nhs.uk/sexualhealth or www.eddystone.org.uk
