West Yorkshire HIV and LGBTQ+ charity The Brunswick Centre has launched a special campaign to raise awareness of the importance of testing for HIV.
‘I’ve Tested for HIV, Have You?’ takes place across February and aims to encourage everyone in Kirklees and Calderdale to get tested for HIV.
The campaign will raise awareness of the facts around HIV and challenge many of the myths.
1 in 20 people living with HIV are unaware they have it. People can live with HIV for a long time without any symptoms. In 2020, 42% of people diagnosed with HIV in England were diagnosed late, this correlates to poorer long-term health outcomes.
HIV medication (antiretroviral treatment, or ART) works by reducing the amount of the virus in the blood to undetectable levels. This means the levels of HIV are so low that the virus cannot be passed on. This is called having an undetectable viral load or being undetectable.
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Much more information is available on The Brunswick Centre website (www.thebrunswickcentre.org.uk) and will be shared on social media across February.
This includes members of the community and well-known faces sharing the key message ‘I’ve Tested For HIV, Have You?’.
The Brunswick Centre is also hosting HIV testing at locations across the region throughout February and has details on where to get tested at any time on the website.
The Brunswick Centre provide a range of services in Calderdale and Kirklees including HIV prevention and support and working with young LGBTQ+ communities.
Their mission is to enable people to make informed choices, build healthier relationships and live positive lives free of stigma.
John McKernaghan, The Brunswick Centre Chief Officer
“Testing for HIV is good for all of us, most people get HIV from someone who doesn’t know they have it. So, if we get to know our HIV status, the chances of this happening are significantly reduced. Early detection and treatment really is highly effective in reducing the risk of onward transmission. People on effective treatment can’t pass on HIV. Through campaigns such as this, The Brunswick Centre continues to raise awareness of the facts around HIV and challenge many of the myths that unfortunately still prevail.”
The I’ve Tested for HIV, Have You? campaign expands on what is taking place as part of National HIV Testing Week (6th to 12th February 2023) – www.hivpreventionengland.org.uk/campaigns/national-hiv-testing-week/
Courtesy of Health & Wellbeing | Huddersfield Times
