PEOPLE URGED TO CHECK THEIR HIV STATUS AT MOBILE CLINIC
Residents in Croydon are being encouraged to look after their health and check their HIV status during National HIV Testing Week, which starts on Saturday (21 November).
The week helps to raise awareness of the importance and advantages of HIV testing, as well as increasing opportunities for people to get tested. The ultimate goal is to normalise regular HIV testing in the most-affected groups.
Public Health England research has found that there are about 25,000 people in the UK living with HIV who are unaware they have it. However, early diagnosis and treatment can help people to live a more-or-less normal lifespan.
As part of the annual drive to increase the numbers who have an HIV test in Croydon, a mobile clinic will tour the borough from 20 November to 2 December. Passers-by will be offered on-the-spot, confidential HIV tests, with results provided within 15 minutes.
Residents will also be encouraged to seek testing all year round at their GP surgery and at the Genito Urinary Medicine (Gum) clinic at Croydon University Hospital.
In addition, activities in Croydon take place during World Aids Day on 1 December, a day that provides a further opportunity for worldwide unity in the fight against HIV.
Dates and locations for Croydon’s mobile HIV testing clinic can be found at www.swish.nhs.uk
Visit www.tht.org.uk/itstartswithme for more information about National HIV Testing Week. (Source: Croydon council press release)