National HIV Testing Week

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National HIV Testing Week is an annual initiative by HIV Prevention England that highlights the importance of regular HIV testing. The campaign aims to reduce the number of undiagnosed HIV cases and those diagnosed late.

The UK government’s target is to eliminate HIV transmissions and HIV-related stigma by 2030. How can we make this happen?

Free HIV testing is simple and quick – just a finger-prick. Regular testing is essential because HIV can go undetected for years without symptoms. The only way to know your HIV status is to get tested. Early detection allows individuals to begin treatment, stay healthy, and prevent transmission to others.

You can visit the Sexual Health London website to order a free home testing kit.

You can also speak to our staff in your local sexual health service, or your GP. 

Who should get tested?

  • It’s recommended for everyone who is sexually active to get tested for HIV and other STIs at least once a year, even if there’s no obvious risk. If someone has multiple sexual partners, they should consider testing more frequently.
  • Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) should get tested regularly for HIV and STIs, at least once a year, or every three months if having unprotected sex with new or casual partners.
  • Black African men and women should have routine HIV and STI screenings if engaging in unprotected sex with new or casual partners.
  • Trans men and trans women who have sex with men should test for HIV and other STIs regularly, either annually or every three months if having unprotected sex with new or casual partners.

How to protect yourself from HIV:

  • The most effective ways to protect against HIV are using condoms and taking PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis). PrEP is a highly effective medication for those at risk of HIV, and when taken as directed, it helps prevent HIV transmission. For more information, click [here](opens link).
  • PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) is a treatment that can prevent HIV if taken within 72 hours after potential exposure to the virus. It’s available through sexual health services.

For registered patients at the practice, our local sexual health clinic is:

Archway Sexual Health Clinic

681-689 Holloway Road

Archway

London

N19 5SE