Dr Dai Lloyd backs HIV Testing Week

Plaid Cymru's Dai Lloyd backed HIV Testing Week by encouraging local people to get tested and highlighting the importance of knowing their status during European HIV Testing Week.

Dr Dai joined Terrence Higgins Trust, the UK’s leading HIV and sexual health charity, at the Welsh Assembly calling for people to help stop HIV transmission in Wales by taking a free, fast and confidential test.

Official statistics reveal that of the 168 people were newly diagnosed with HIV in Wales last year, over half (51%) had late-stage HIV infection, when the virus has already significantly damaged the immune system – well above the UK average of 39%.

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Across the UK, 1 in 6 people living with HIV are unaware they have the virus – putting their own health at risk and unwittingly passing on the virus. The only way to know is to test.

European HIV Testing Week encourages people who are at risk of HIV to test. Testing is free, quick, painless and confidential.

Terrence Higgins Trust in Wales provides testing around the country, as well as support services for people living with and affected by HIV.

Dr Dai Lloyd, Chair of the Assembly's Health committee said: “I'm proud to support the Terrence Higgins Trust Cymru by encouraging local people to test and know their status. Levels of late stage diagnosis remain unacceptably high here in Wales – this risks peoples health - that’s why testing for HIV is so important. Its through supporting the work of The Terrence Higigns Trust that we can rectify this.”

Sarah Fuhrman, National Director for Terrence Higgins Trust Wales said: “It was great to see the Welsh Assembly highlighting the importance of HIV testing and looking after your sexual health.

“Today, someone living with HIV can access effective treatment which enables them to live a long and healthy life. Sadly, attitudes and awareness of the virus have not kept up with medical advances and we cannot underestimate the devastating impact of stigma.

“Stigma is a well know barrier stopping people getting tested. That’s why European HIV Testing Week is so important to getting people diagnosed and supporting people with HIV to live well.”

For more information about HIV testing, go to www.tht.org.uk