UK Prime Minister Sir Kier Starmer took an at-home HIV test at 10 Downing Street to mark the beginning of the country’s HIV Testing Week.
He was joined by soul singer and HIV activist Beverly Knight, with the event aimed to encourage more Britons to get tested and reduce the stigma surrounding the virus.
"It's really important to do it and I'm really pleased to be able to do it. It's very easy, very quick,” Starmer said, advocating for routine testing.
Richard Angell, chief executive of The Terrence Higgins Trust, praised the prrime minister’s participation, noting that he believes Sir Keir is the first leader of a G7, European, or NATO nation to publicly take an HIV test.
"Let's try to encourage other leaders to do the same thing because it's really important, it's easy, it's convenient and it is much better to know,” said Starmer. Angell also commented on the event, calling it “an important symbol for people who live with HIV, for fighting the stigma, and to let the public know that tests are free, confidential and easy and available for everyone during this week, and it will make a big difference."
Approximately 107,000 people in the UK are living with HIV, with an estimated 4,700 unaware of their status. While there is no cure, modern treatments allow those with the virus to live long and healthy lives.
As part of HIV Testing Week, which runs until Sunday, 20,000 free at-home test kits have been made available. These tests, which provide results in just 15 minutes, are designed to increase accessibility and encourage more people to check their status.
Starmer has previously committed to ending HIV transmission in the UK , ambitiously, by 2030. On World AIDS Day last year, he announced a £27 million investment in expanding testing programs in NHS emergency departments.
