Rochdale MP, Tony Lloyd, is encouraging people to order a free HIV self-testing kit at home during lockdown as part of National HIV Testing week.

Tony Lloyd said, ‘HIV does not discriminate and everyone can take action by regular testing and being HIV aware.

‘With early detection someone with HIV can expect to live as long as someone who is HIV negative. Anyone can order a free HIV self-testing kit.

‘HIV and AIDS treatment and outlooks have progressed massively these decades on. The fear and stigma surrounding the early years of HIV/AIDS is powerfully told in a ground-breaking new Channel 4 series – It’s a Sin.

‘And it is a sin that the stories of those devastated in those years have largely been untold until now. But it is up to us to take that story into a brighter future and end HIV transmissions within this decade.’

National HIV Testing Week – a national event in the first week of February – comes just two months after the national HIV Commission report provided a blueprint to end new cases of HIV by 2030, a commitment that Labour and other parties have made.

6,700 people are living with HIV in the UK but remain undiagnosed.

Tony said, ‘Anyone living in England can order a free HIV self-testing kit online from Public Health England.

’The kit arrives in a plain envelope, and results are available a few days later.’

Self-testing kits can be ordered by clicking here: https://www.startswithme.org.uk/

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Notes for editors:
• The national HIV Commission report can be viewed by clicking here: https://www.hivcommission.org.uk/2020/11/30/final-report-and-recommendations-out-now/
• Social media activity can be followed using the hashtah #HIVTestWeek, Tony’s Tweet on this can be viewed here: https://twitter.com/tony4rochdale/status/1356225309700485120