National HIV Testing Week (NHTW) runs from 9-15 February, promoting and encouraging regular HIV testing.
4,700 people are estimated to be living with undiagnosed HIV in England, meaning they are not accessing treatment and care. People can live with HIV for a long time without any symptoms and testing is the only way to know your HIV status.
Derek Ward, director of public health, said: “Testing for HIV is quick, easy, confidential and free for everyone in the UK. If you have HIV, finding out means you can start treatment, stay healthy and avoid passing the virus onto anyone else.
“There are many ways to test: via a sexual health clinic; your GP; through HIV and sexual health charities; or by ordering a test online. Anyone diagnosed with HIV in the UK can access free treatment and support.”
You can order a free HIV test from https://freetesting.hiv/
National HIV Testing Week is funded by the Department of Health and Social Care and delivered by Terrence Higgins Trust, as part of HIV Prevention England.