West Midlands TV star urges locals to take HIV test as National Testing Week begins
A TV star living in the West Midlands is urging people to get tested for HIV as National HIV Testing Week gets underway.
Adam Williams, who lives with HIV and starred in BBC Three’s I Kissed a Boy, is raising awareness of the importance of knowing your status.
In the West Midlands last year, 47 per cent of people diagnosed with HIV were identified late, after the virus had already affected their immune systems. New polling shows only one in five adults in England has ever been tested for HIV.
Williams, who lives near Birmingham, is joined in the campaign by TV personalities including Charlene White from Loose Women and Dr Ranj, who are encouraging people to order free home HIV test kits, which give results in just 15 minutes.
“Testing for HIV really is self-care,” said Williams. “If it’s negative, you can take steps to stay negative. If it’s positive, treatment lets you live a long, healthy life.”
Charlene White added: “This National HIV Testing Week, I want to encourage people to get a test, especially if they’ve never tested or haven’t done so for a long time. Ordering a test is such a simple step to look after yourself.”
Dr Ranj said: “HIV can affect anyone. This week is a great chance for everyone in England to take charge of their sexual health.”
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting highlighted the government’s target to end new HIV transmissions by 2030, backed by a £170 million HIV Action Plan. The plan aims to improve access to testing, reduce stigma, and provide treatment to those who need it.
Richard Angell, CEO of Terrence Higgins Trust, said: “HIV can affect anyone – it’s always best to know your status. National HIV Testing Week is a gamechanger. Order a test now.”
Free, confidential HIV test kits can be ordered online from freetesting.hiv until 15 February.
