PM Keir Starmer takes HIV test in effort to reduce stigma

Keir Starmer has taken an HIV test to help remove the stigma associated with testing for the sexually transmitted virus.

According to ‘Sky News’, the prime minister carried out the home test at 10 Downing Street to kick off HIV Testing Week, joined by soul singer Beverley Knight, a passionate advocate for HIV awareness. Sir Keir commented, “It's really important to do it and I'm really pleased to be able to do it. It's very easy, very quick.”

Richard Angell, CEO of the HIV charity The Terrence Higgins Trust, stated he believes Sir Keir is the first prime minister from a G7, European, or NATO nation to take an HIV test.

Expressing his “surprise,” the PM continued: “Let's try to encourage other leaders to do the same thing because it's really important, it's easy, it's convenient, and it is much better to know.”

Mr. Angell remarked, “It's an important symbol for people who live with HIV, for fighting the stigma, and to let the public know that tests are free, confidential, and easy and available for everyone during this week, and it will make a big difference.”

In the UK, approximately 107,000 people live with HIV, with around 4,700 possibly unaware of their status. Although there is no cure for HIV, it damages immune system cells, making it difficult to combat infections and disease. Nonetheless, effective drug treatments enable most people with the virus to lead a long and healthy life.

During HIV Testing Week, ending on Sunday, individuals can order one of 20,000 free and confidential at-home tests, providing results in 15 minutes. Sir Keir has committed to ending new HIV transmissions in England by 2030 and last year, on World AIDS Day, announced a £27 million expansion of the testing program in NHS emergency departments.

Knight became a campaigner for the cause after her friend Tyrone Jamison passed away from an AIDS-related illness in 2003. She said, “Living with HIV today is a world away from the experience that my late best friend Tyrone endured in the early 2000s. People living with HIV can now easily know their status, can access effective treatment and live a long, healthy life. I wish this was the case for Ty. In his memory, I'm using my voice alongside the prime minister to make everyone aware of how easy it is to test. People need to hear the crucial message that thanks to effective medication, people living with HIV can't pass it on, so we can end this epidemic once and for all.”