A new drive to encourage Milton Keynes residents to test for HIV has been launched by the UK’s largest HIV charity, Terrence Higgins Trust.
Anyone living in Milton Keynes can now order a free postal HIV test which takes a few minutes to do, with results available a few days later. By entering their postcode into a test finder, people can order their free kit which arrives in plain packaging through their letter box.
In 2018, 47% of people diagnosed with HIV in Milton Keynes were diagnosed at a late stage, compared to 43% across the whole of England. A late diagnosis can be bad for an individual’s health, that’s why regular testing for groups at increased risk of HIV, including gay and bisexual men, trans and Black African communities is important.
Vicky Banda, Milton Keynes Service Manager at Terrence Higgins Trust, said: "This is an incredible opportunity to break the chain on HIV infection in Milton Keynes and help move us further forward in achieving our goal of ending HIV transmissions. Across communities in Milton Keynes we’re determined to make HIV testing as easy as possible and I’d encourage anyone to order a free test today, because this chance to beat HIV won’t wait and won’t come around again.
"It’s estimated that around 7,500 people in the UK are living with undiagnosed HIV, which is bad for their health and means they may unwittingly pass it on. If everyone is able to use their time in lockdown to get tested and know their HIV status, we can ensure something really good comes out of the devastation of the COVID-19 crisis."
Support is available for anyone who receives a positive result and effective treatment means that people living with HIV cannot pass on the virus.
Use the Terrence Higgins Trust HIV test finder by clicking here.
For local service information and support, contact iCaSH Milton Keynes on 0300 300 3030 or visit their website.
Anyone can be affected by HIV but the groups most impacted by the virus are particularly encouraged to test. In the UK that is gay and bisexual men, men and women from black African communities, and trans people.
