We're supporting National HIV Testing Week and World AIDS Day
Members of our Integrated Sexual Health Service will be out and about in Coventry in support of National HIV Testing Week and World AIDS Day.
Coventry has one of the highest HIV rates in the West Midlands, with nearly a quarter of those living with HIV not knowing they have the virus.
Charlotte Hubbard, Lead Nurse for Young and Vulnerable People in the Integrated Sexual Health Service at our Trust, said: “We are trying to bust some of the myths around HIV, which can affect anyone, irrespective of their gender, ethnic origin or sexual orientation. Lack of knowledge and understanding about the condition just reinforces fear and stigma. Our new dedicated community screening team makes testing easily accessible to all.”
Prof Satyajit Das, Medical Lead Consultant Physician Sexual Health and HIV at our Trust said: “HIV is a treatable long-term medical illness. Early diagnosis prevents people from developing AIDs and also unknowingly passing the infection to others. The treatment can be very simple and is free. We therefore urge people to come forward and get an HIV test. Once they know their status, if they are HIV positive, with treatment they can live a good quality of life.”
In support of the Terrence Higgins Trust National HIV campaign, our Trust is trying to stop the spread of HIV in the city by encouraging people to get tested. Early identification, plus HIV treatment and condom use, can stop the spread and allow people to live long, healthy and active lives. But it all starts with a test.
To find out where you can be tested, visit www.besavvy.org.uk. The team will be hosting an interactive stall at Coventry University on World AIDS Day, Thursday 1 December, with the aim of dispelling some of the myths and stigma associated to HIV. They will also be holding a drop-in clinic at The University Hub, Floor 1, Room 1 on Tuesday 6 December for testing and giving out free condoms.
To book a confidential appointment for a HIV test in Coventry, or to find out where the community screening team are out and about, call 0300 020 0027, or visit the Integrated Sexual Health Service on the third floor of City of Coventry Health Centre. You can also follow them on Twitter @CWPT_CovISHS and Facebook.com/CWPTCovISHS
The Integrated Sexual Health Service can help you with any concerns you have about your sexual health in general. Just call on the number above.