Monday 10 February marks the start of this year’s national HIV Testing Week, encouraging everyone to take control over their health and get tested for HIV.
Led by HIV Prevention England and the Terrence Higgins Trust, HIV Testing Week highlights the importance of regular testing and how quick and easy it is to take a test.
To mark the occasion, the Mayor of Brighton & Hove, Mohammed Asaduzzaman, and the city’s councillors visited HIV-charity Terrence Higgins Trust to learn more about the state of HIV/AIDS epidemic locally and the progress made towards our goal of zero HIV transmissions.
Brighton & Hove has the 8th highest prevalence of diagnosed HIV in England, with approximately 1,800 people living with diagnosed HIV, of which 99% are on treatment and 98% are virally suppressed.
The latest HIV data from 2022 shows that a quarter of people who were diagnosed with HIV in Brighton & Hove were at a late stage – meaning they tested positive for HIV after the virus has already started to damage their immune system.
However, this figure is significantly lower than the national average of 48%, highlighting the progress in Brighton & Hove made as a UK Fast Track City, a global initiative to end HIV as a public health threat and work towards zero HIV by 2030.
As a UK Fast Track City, Brighton & Hove has taken innovative steps to make it easier for people to get an HIV test.
Anyone living in Brighton & Hove can order a free self-test or a postal test via freetesting.hiv, where you take a sample and send it off to a lab who will then contact you with your result.
Developed by the Martin Fisher Foundation in 2017, there are 8 sexual health and HIV digital vending machines across the city distributing free self-test kits which give a result in a few minutes. The machines were pioneered in the city and proved to be a great addition to our HIV testing offer.
Since 2022, anyone who has blood taken at the emergency department at the Royal Sussex County Hospital has been tested for HIV and other blood-borne viruses on an opt-out basis. This has found 50 people with either HIV or Hepatitis C who may not otherwise have been tested, allowing them to start treatment which will both protect their health and save the NHS money for treatment and care.
Terrence Higgins Trust’s clinic on Ship Street is open as usual for anyone who wants an HIV test. Walk-ins are accepted but it is recommended to call 01273 764 200, book online or email brighton.clinic@tht.org.uk to make an appointment.
People can also get tested via a sexual health clinic or at their GP.
Testing is free and confidential. It’s also the only way to know if you have HIV and worth doing because people can live with HIV for a long time without any symptoms.
If you are HIV positive, you can take treatment and live a long and healthy life — people on effective HIV treatment can’t pass it on to partners. Anyone diagnosed with HIV in the UK can access free treatment and support.
Marc Tweed, Head of Terrence Higgins Trust South, said: “We should be proud Brighton & Hove is leading the way in the national goal to end new cases of HIV by 2030, but there’s still an estimated 100 people in our city who are living with undiagnosed HIV.
“It’s crucial we find every one of them and ensure they can access life-saving care.”
Councillor Tristram Burden, Brighton & Hove City Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Public Health and Service Transformation, said: “HIV Testing Week offers a great opportunity to remind people of the importance of regular testing.
“It was fantastic to come along to the event organised by Terrence Higgins Trust and witness the partnership working going into HIV testing in the city. It makes Brighton & Hove well-placed to reach our ambition of zero new HIV infections by 2030.
“We have a really good offer for HIV testing in Brighton & Hove and we need to continue the innovation that has got us where we are. And to keep getting the message out for people to get tested at least once a year and on change of sexual partner. It’s never been easier, and you can choose a testing method that works for you.”
National HIV Testing Week runs from Monday 10 February to Sunday 16 February and is coordinated by Terrence Higgins Trust on behalf of HIV Prevention England (HPE).
The week encourages everyone to test for HIV, particularly those from the groups most affected by HIV, including gay and bisexual men and Black African men and women.
Terrence Higgins Trust Brighton & Hove offer support and advice over the phone or in person via appointment. Their general phone number is 01273 764 200.
