Paul Davies MP for Colne Valley is encouraging local residents who think they might need a test to order one this National HIV Testing Week, which takes place until Sunday (18 February). Throughout the week, free HIV testing kits are available to order across England from www.startswithme.org.uk.

This week, Sir Keir Starmer also took an HIV-self test from his home at 10 Downing Street, becoming the first UK Prime Minister to publicly take an HIV test. The government has committed to ending new HIV cases in England by 2030, with a new HIV Action Plan to be published in summer 2025.

This comes as polling by YouGov, on behalf of leading HIV charity Terrence Higgins Trust, has found that more than 80% of adults in England are unaware it is possible to test for HIV at home. However, when prompted as an option, at-home testing was the most popular way to know your HIV status, with 44% of people saying it would be their preference.

It is estimated that around 4,700 people in England are currently living with undiagnosed HIV. Finding them will be crucial to reaching the government’s target. In Kirklees, 27% of people who were diagnosed with HIV last year were diagnosed at a late stage, when HIV may have already damaged their immune system. Once diagnosed, people living with HIV can access free, effective treatment which means they can have a normal life expectancy and can’t pass on the virus. 

Paul Davies MP said:

“It’s great to be able to demonstrate how quick and easy testing for HIV is. I hope by supporting HIV Testing week it will help challenge the stigma around HIV testing.

“We must find the estimated 4,700 people living with undiagnosed HIV in England so they can access life-saving care. This will be crucial to meeting our target of ending new HIV cases by 2030. I am determined that Kirklees plays our part in making that goal a reality.

“I join the HIV community in calling on the government to invest in year-round online HIV and STI postal testing services and to continue opt-out HIV testing in emergency departments. We must also address the stigma that prevents many from seeking care. Everyone living with HIV deserves to feel safe and supported in every healthcare setting.

“Together, with the dedication of organizations like the Brunswick Centre, Terrence Higgins Trust and others, we can achieve the goal of ending new HIV cases by 2030 and be the first in the world to do so. “