National HIV Test Week runs from 10th to 16th February. The nationwide initiative aims to encourage as many people as possible to test for HIV. Five individuals living with HIV who receive support from the local charity, Thames Valley Positive Support (TVPS), have shared their diagnosis stories in hopes of raising awareness that HIV can affect anyone. With the two major towns in Berkshire, Slough and Reading, having a higher prevalence of HIV than many major UK cities, the charity says it’s vital that people know their HIV status to protect themselves and others.

Sarah Macadam, TVPS CEO, said “To be able to share real stories from residents of Berkshire that have contracted HIV will hopefully show the wider public that HIV can happen to anyone and the best thing we can all be doing for our health, is testing regularly and knowing our HIV status.” She went on to say “The positive people that shared their stories really want to help make a difference and we are hoping that their bravery in doing so, will encourage many more people to test. A late diagnosis is far more likely to result in other co-morbidities and overall a poorer quality of life. An early diagnosis leads to better long-term health outcomes and makes living with HIV manageable.”

Jack, one of the positive people to share his story said “the earlier you test, the better. If HIV is caught early you can get on medication, it means you can’t pass on HIV and that’s important. It’s not the death sentence anymore.”

Order free postal HIV tests
Read or listen to all five diagnosis stories