A HEALTH charity in Thames Valley is sharing stories from individuals about their diagnosis to mark HIV testing week.
Thames Valley Positive Support, which has offered help for and education about HIV since 1985, has launched a campaign to encourage residents to get testing.
National HIV Test Week runs from February 10-16 and aims to encourage as many people as possible to test for HIV.
Five individuals living with HIV who receive support from the charity have shared their diagnosis stories in hopes of raising awareness that HIV can affect anyone
With the two major towns in Berkshire, Slough and Reading, having a higher prevalence of HIV than many major UK cities, the charity says it’s vital that people know their HIV status to protect themselves and others.
Sarah Macadam, TVPS CEO, said “To be able to share real stories from residents of Berkshire that have contracted HIV will hopefully show the wider public that HIV can happen to anyone and the best thing we can all be doing for our health, is testing regularly and knowing our HIV status.
“The positive people that shared their stories really want to help make a difference and we are hoping that their bravery in doing so, will encourage many more people to test.
“A late diagnosis is far more likely to result in other co-morbidities and overall a poorer quality of life–an early diagnosis leads to better long-term health outcomes and makes living with HIV manageable.”
Jack, one of the people sharing their story said: “the earlier you test, the better. If HIV is caught early you can get on medication and with U=U, it means you can’t pass on HIV and that’s important.
“It’s not the death sentence anymore.”
More information and testimony are available via tvps.org.uk.
People can order free, postal HIV tests by visiting freetesting.hiv
