A top sexual health expert based in Cumbria is highlighting the wide range of options for rapid HIV testing and treatment on World Aids Day (1st December).
Professor Matt Phillips, Deputy Medical Director and sexual health consultant at NCIC, is reminding the public that clinics are available across the County where people can get tested and that the treatments are now effective.
He said, “Today, many scientific advances have been made in HIV treatment and we understand so much more about the condition.
“Testing and treating is the key to ending HIV transmissions. Effective treatment helps people to live long, healthy lives with HIV and means they can’t pass the virus on.
“People can also use Pre exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) if they are at higher risk of HIV to protect themselves from catching the virus. We are able to offer this in our clinics across Cumbria.
"We are keen to highlight the variety of different ways that people can now get tested including free and confidential HIV tests from sexual health clinics, many GP surgeries, pharmacies or online for self-testing at home.”
The Trust has clinics in Carlisle, Workington, Whitehaven, Kendal and Barrow.
If you want to attend a sexual health clinic in Cumbria call the central booking line on 01228 608989, take a look at our webpages or there is also a confidential online booking system.
Rapid HIV testing is also available in some pharmacies in Cumbria. The test is free, simple and confidential. You’ll receive your result in around 15 minutes.
Professor Phillips, who is also the President of BASHH (British Association for Sexual Health and HIV), added:
"World AIDS Day is an important day for us to reflect on the progress made in the HIV response, to take stock of where we are and to reinvigorate for the forthcoming year. This year’s World AIDS Day is about ‘Overcoming Disruption, transforming the AIDS response’.
"Some of the greatest steps we can take in North Cumbria are around challenging stigma, taking up regular HIV testing which can be done in sexual clinic or general practice, and if someone thinks they have ongoing risk of getting HIV they can talk to sexual health clinic about medication called ‘PrEP’- medication that can prevent the acquisition of HIV when taken properly. If someone thinks this might be for them, then come to the sexual health to discuss this in detail."
Founded in 1988, World AIDS Day was the first ever-global health day. It is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, to show support for people living with HIV, and to commemorate those who have died from an AIDS-related illness.
Through combined efforts, we are collectively working towards no more HIV infections by 2030.