UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer Takes Historic Public HIV Test

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In a groundbreaking move, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer became the first sitting UK Prime Minister and G7 leader to take a public HIV test. This historic event, announced by the UK Prime Minister's Office, took place in support of National HIV Testing Week, which began on February 10, 2025.

Joined by Terrence Higgins Trust Patron Beverley Knight, Starmer utilized a rapid home test to highlight the importance of HIV awareness and testing. According to the Prime Minister, this initiative aims to encourage individuals to learn their HIV status, facilitating access to treatment and aligning with the government's goal to eliminate new HIV cases in England by 2030.

"During testing week, you can get a test for free, and it is crucial to know your status," Starmer stated, emphasizing the ease and speed of the testing process. The initiative includes plans for 20,000 funded self-test kits to be made available to the public, with a comprehensive HIV Action Plan set for release in summer 2025, further reinforcing the government’s commitment to tackling HIV infections in England.

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