National HIV Testing Week starts 6 February

Posted on February 2nd, 2023

National HIV Testing Week starts 6 February

Shared on behalf of Sexual Health Wirral

National HIV Testing Week is a campaign to promote regular testing, especially among the most-affected population groups in England. Regular testing helps to reduce the number of people living with undiagnosed HIV and those diagnosed late.

In 2021, there were an estimated 4,400 people unaware, that they are living with HIV. This is equivalent to 5% of all people estimated to be living with HIV in England (95,900). This figure has fallen from 2019 (5,600).

In Wirral, there have been 2 new HIV diagnoses in the past 12 months. 50% of these were detected in Primary Care. 50% of these were late HIV diagnoses.

Remember, the earlier HIV is detected, the earlier we can treat and the better the outcome for patients and the lower the risk of onward transmission.

Please read more from Sexual Health Wirral, including some ideas to help you promote HIV testing