Prime Minister Keir Starmer recently took an HIV test at his official residence, 10 Downing Street, to support National HIV Testing Week. He was joined by singer and HIV activist Beverley Knight, who has been a strong advocate for HIV awareness since losing her best friend, Tyrone Jamison, to an AIDS-related illness in 2003.
Knight is also a supporter of the Terrence Higgins Trust, a leading HIV charity in the UK. By taking the test publicly, Keir Starmer became the first Western leader in office to do so, aiming to encourage more people to get tested and know their HIV status.
The event was part of a national effort to raise awareness about HIV testing. During National HIV Testing Week, anyone in England can order a free HIV test to be delivered to their home. This is important because many people don’t realize that testing for HIV at home is even possible.
According to a survey by YouGov, more than 80% of adults in England are unaware of this option. The UK Health Security Agency estimates that around 4,700 people in England are living with HIV but don’t know it yet.
Keir Starmer has set a goal to stop new HIV cases in England by 2030. As part of this plan, the government will release an HIV Action Plan later this year.
The Prime Minister emphasized that getting tested is quick, easy, and crucial for knowing your status. If someone tests positive, they can access free and effective treatment, which allows them to live a normal, healthy life and prevents them from passing the virus to others.
After taking the test, Starmer said, “It’s really important to do it, and I’m glad I took part. It’s easy, it’s quick, and during testing week, you can get a test for free.
This is a great time to take part. If people get tested, they’ll know their status, and that’s a good thing because they can then get the treatment they need. This will also help us reach our goal of ending new HIV transmissions by 2030.”
Beverley Knight shared her personal connection to the cause, saying, “Living with HIV today is very different from what my best friend Tyrone went through in the early 2000s.
Thanks to modern medicine, people with HIV can now live long, healthy lives and can’t pass the virus to others. I wish this had been the case for Ty. In his memory, I’m using my voice, along with the Prime Minister, to spread the message that testing is easy and accessible. We can end this epidemic for good.”
Richard Angell, the head of the Terrence Higgins Trust, praised the Prime Minister for setting an example. He said, “By taking this test publicly, the Prime Minister has made history. This simple, free test sends a powerful message to the country. During National HIV Testing Week, anyone in England can order a test, no matter where they live. We have the chance to be the first country in the world to stop new HIV transmissions, but we need to do more to reach our 2030 goal. Increasing HIV testing is key to achieving this.”
Rebecca Mbewe, an author and speaker who has been living with HIV for nearly 30 years, also shared her story. She said, “Testing is the only way to know your status and take control of your health. If you test positive, you’re not alone. I’ve been living with HIV for almost 30 years, and I can still do everything I love. I enjoy my life, I go out, I dance, and I even have my gin and tonic. Thanks to free and effective treatment, I have a normal life expectancy, and I can’t pass HIV to others. Every birthday I celebrate is a statement and a celebration of life.”
This event highlights the importance of HIV testing, treatment, and awareness. By working together, the UK aims to eliminate new HIV cases and ensure that everyone has access to the care they need.
