To mark World AIDS Day (December 1), Simon Kirby, Conservative MP for Brighton Kemptown, took a rapid HIV test during a Parliamentary reception at the House of Lords. Simon was given a simple finger-prick blood test, and was provided with a negative result within 15 minutes. The event was organised by HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) to back efforts to increase HIV testing.

Currently, one in four people with HIV in the UK do not know they have it.  This is bad for their health and the health of others as they are not getting vital treatment and are statistically more likely to pass on the virus. THT and other organisations are promoting the ‘Halve It’ campaign, which wants to see rates of undiagnosed and late diagnosed HIV halved within the next five years.

Simon Kirby MP, Vice-Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on HIV & AIDS, said: “I am delighted to support this vitally important issue. We all need to work together to increase HIV testing because it is in everyone’s interests. I hope that this World AIDS Day more people who may have been at risk of HIV will decide to get tested. People used to think an HIV diagnosis was like a death sentence, but HIV treatment has moved on so much in the last few years. An HIV diagnosis today is something that could save your life, because as long as you get the treatment in time, you can expect to live well into old age.”

Sir Nick Partridge, Chief Executive of Terrence Higgins Trust, said: “We’re so pleased Simon is helping us to raise awareness of this important issue. People with undiagnosed HIV are not only putting their own health at risk, they are also more likely to pass the virus on unwittingly, so it’s vital we encourage more people to come forward for testing.”

World AIDS Day, which has been running every December since 1988, is dedicated to raising awareness of HIV and AIDS. In the UK alone, around 85,000 people are living with HIV and over 6,500 are diagnosed every year.

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Notes to Editor

1. Terrence Higgins Trust is the UK’s largest HIV and sexual health charity with centres across England, Scotland and Wales. We're here to provide information and advice about HIV and sexual health and offer a range of services including sexual health checks, counselling and support groups.  We campaign for a world where people with HIV live healthy lives, free from prejudice and discrimination and we promote good sexual health as a right and reality for all. Terrence Higgins Trust relies on donations to deliver a wide range of services. To make a donation, visit www.tht.org.uk