Parliamentarians from all major political parties in England have shown their support to help tackle the stigma surrounding HIV and encourage more people to get tested during National HIV Testing Week, which runs until Sunday 12 February.

Leader of the House of Commons Penny Mordaunt, Women and Equalities Committee Chair Caroline Nokes and Shadow Public Health Minister Andrew Gwynne all showed how quick and easy HIV testing has become.

The Government has committed to ending new HIV cases in the UK by 2030 and increasing HIV testing is vital to this. Especially as the latest UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) data shows a 20 percent drop in testing compared to before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Freely available HIV test kits can be ordered from freetesting.hiv and are small enough to fit through a letterbox. Anyone in England who wants to test can get one during National HIV Testing Week.

Other MPs supporting the awareness week are ‘baby of the House’ Nadia Whittome, former Public Health Minister Maggie Throup, Minister for Equalities Stuart Andrew, and Steve Brine, who is chair of the Health and Social Care Select Committee.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan also shared his support for testing week on twitter, encouraging all Londoners to get a test.

In total, more than 30 MPs shared information about HIV testing.

The annual week of activity is coordinated by Terrence Higgins Trust on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Our Chief Executive Ian Green said: 'There have been huge advancements in HIV – including testing – we just need everyone to know about them. That’s why it is so fantastic to have the support of MPs from all parties to promote the benefits of HIV testing, as well as the realities of HIV today. You can live a long, healthy life with HIV, but it all starts with a test.'

Andrew Gwynne MP, Shadow Public Health Minister, said: 'If the last three years have taught us anything, getting to grips with at home testing is surprisingly easy. That’s why I want everyone to know how quick and convenient it now is to test for HIV and encourage them to do so by ordering a free test kit this National HIV Testing Week. Twenty percent fewer people were tested for HIV in 2021 than in 2019, and that’s having a knock-on impact on treatment and diagnosis. Regular testing is absolutely essential for ending new HIV cases by 2030.'

Maggie Throup MP said: 'For anyone scared of testing for HIV, it’s important to know it takes just a couple of drops of blood and can all be done at home. In the past it took weeks to get a result but now it’s so quick and easy. The only HIV test to fear is the one you didn’t take as you can live a long, healthy life with HIV thanks to modern treatment which all mean the virus can’t be passed on.'