'I Test': National HIV Testing Week is underway
The focus is on simplifying the process for people to find out their HIV status
National HIV Testing Week for 2026 is underway, bringing a spotlight on simplifying the process for individuals to ascertain their HIV status.
HIV testing is offered at no cost and remains confidential, ensuring the only definite means to determine if one has the virus.
Recognising your status holds great importance, as people may unknowingly live with HIV for many years while being symptom-free.
Throughout the week, individuals can order self-test kits that provide results in just 15 minutes or choose postal tests, which involve sending samples to a lab for analysis with results communicated directly to the individual.
Regular testing plays an essential role in maintaining individual health.
Healthcare bosses say receiving a negative result allows people to continue employing preventative measures such as PrEP or condoms, whilst for those with a positive result, prompt treatment initiation enables a long and healthy life.
Importantly, individuals on effective HIV treatment cannot transmit the virus to their partners, and free treatment and support are accessible to anyone diagnosed with HIV in the UK.
"We need to keep the conversation going"
Born in Turkey, Harun Tulunay moved to the UK in 2015 to escape anti-LGBT+ hostility and discrimination.
He was diagnosed with HIV back in 2016, and has since used his experience to become an ambassador for good sexual and mental health - later joining the national charity, Positively UK.
Speaking with Hits Radio Pride, Harun described how we need to simply get more people talking about it.
He said: "People living with HIV are always here, and we need to keep this conversation going, not just during HIV Testing Week, but all year round.
"But in 2026, our ambition for the seven days is to go out there and find people who don't know their status.
"There's thousands out there in that situation.
"But that's not the only thing we need to focus on, as there are many out there who have been diagnosed, but have taken themselves out of the care system.
"This year, we're hoping we can find some of those people, as well.
"It's a big challenge, but we hope we can engage them back onto treatment, so as a population, we can meet the Government's target of reaching no new HIV transmissions by the end of the decade.
"And that's entirely possible - in the UK, we are very lucky with the amount of testing, and the availability of testing that we have.
"But that's not something we should be in a position to brag about - we should use this as an example to the rest of the world.
"We've got here by listening to patients, listening to activists, working with the community, and addressing inequalities and systematic racism: these are the way nations can reach what are ambitious goals of eradicating this virus."
HIV Testing in the UK
HIV impacts all, meaning testing is the sole way of being certain of one's status.
Gaining knowledge of your status empowers you to maintain health control, so seize National HIV Testing Week by obtaining your free test and sharing the testing message broadly.
Despite the availability of free and accessible testing, a significant portion of the UK’s population remains unaware of their HIV status.
UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reports that 42% of people diagnosed with HIV in the UK receive a late diagnosis. Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) reveals nearly half of new HIV diagnoses occur in individuals who visited healthcare settings but were not offered an HIV test.
YouGov data shows 73% of heterosexual Brits have never taken an HIV test, often due to misconceptions about risk levels.
New Action Plan to End HIV Transmission by 2030
As unveiled on World AIDS Day last year, the government introduced a comprehensive action plan aimed at ending new HIV transmissions in England by 2030.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting announced £170 million in funding dedicated to locating and supporting individuals living with HIV who have dropped out of care. The plan includes initiatives to combat stigma through opt-out testing in A&E departments.
Furthermore, a £5 million trial will enable people to order home HIV test kits via the NHS App, offering a discreet option for checking one's status without visiting a clinic. The initiative will concentrate on regions with the highest prevalence rates, such as London and Manchester, aiming to help thousands access life-saving treatment.
Read more: World AIDS Day: goal to end HIV transmissions by 2030 'within reach'
Efforts to eliminate HIV cases by the end of the decade continue across the UK’s devolved nations. Both the Scottish and Welsh Governments have announced commitments in support of this cause. In Northern Ireland, Positive Life NI, the nation’s only HIV charity, leads the mission to become the first UK region to achieve the World Health Organisation’s target of Zero New HIV Diagnoses by 2030, emphasizing that prevention is crucial in curbing the virus's spread.
The key is early testing, enabling swift treatment and achieving an undetectable status. During this National HIV Testing Week, take the opportunity to know your status and be part of the initiative to stop HIV transmission in the UK.
Support and advice
There's plenty of support and advice you can find online.
It Starts With Me has been developed by the Terrence Higgins Trust for HIV Prevention England - and gives you all the resources to you need to get tested, protection and treatment.
Positively UK offers peer-led support, advocacy, and information to empower individuals living with HIV to effectively navigate every aspect of their diagnosis, care, and life with HIV.
You can order a free HIV testing kit on the following links for England, Scotland and Wales.
There's more on the NHS website.