Liverpool has partnered with local groups Axess, PaSH and Sahir House to promote free and confidential HIV testing, as part of HIV Testing Week, which runs from 5-11 February and is now in its 10th year. The various programmes offer tailored outreach and access to testing for diverse communities across the city. Home testing or postal self-sampling is also available. Free condom distribution is located across the city, and can also be ordered online.
There are 873 people living with HIV in Liverpool, a number that has decreased to below that of other large core cities. It is estimated that there are 45 to 50 people that don’t know they are infected. Targeting this group is the key approach to reducing transmissions. Once identified, individuals living with HIV can receive immediate access to effective treatment and can lead a long, healthy life, as the treatment means infection levels are so low it is no longer communicable.
Five years ago, the city signed up to the Fast-Track Cities initiative, which aims to end all new cases of HIV and AIDS worldwide by 2030. Liverpool has exceeded its own targets relating to testing, treatment and viral suppression.
“Councillor Harry Doyle, Cabinet Member for Public Health, said: “HIV testing week provides a vital opportunity to get tested, and in Liverpool we have many ways to access. Our HIV support services provided by George House Trust and Sahir House are also there to help with advice and information should you need it”. Clinical Outreach lead from Axess Sexual Health, Chris Higgins, commented that access to testing is crucial since people can live with HIV for a long time without any symptoms.
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