The Terrance Higgins Trust (THT), the largest voluntary HIV services provider in the UK, has introduced the pop-up service to encourage testing on the spot as well as take home test.
This week’s initiative coincides with new figures from Public Health England on HIV that show that the drive to increase HIV testing is having an impact, with a 21.8% drop in the number of undiagnosed cases.
There is still a stigma surrounding HIV testing, but it does not have to be the case, the THT pop-up claims. Compared to traditional STIs or HIV clinics, the THT testing pop-up boasts of their warm and inviting atmosphere.
Prince Harry opened the initiative and they hope this will encourage attendance and a positive outlook on HIV testing.
Prince Harry speaks to @THTorguk volunteer, Andrew Bates, who was diagnosed with HIV last year.
He told HRH he wants ‘to be an advocate for HIV positive people, & show the world that life doesn't end after getting an HIV diagnosis.’ pic.twitter.com/IkzfvdBjRF
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) November 15, 2017
The THT promotes self-testing, which provide results in fifteen minutes, but claims it might not be for everyone since one could get a positive diagnose at home alone. However, following medical advancements, a positive diagnose does not mean the same thing it did a few years ago.
Today, the virus can remain undetectable and people diagnosed with HIV can live as long as anyone else.
The pop-up is open for the rest of the week until Friday.
