Sexual health services in Hastings are backing an awareness week aimed at boosting HIV testing levels and preventing a rise in infection rates.
An estimated 107,800 people were living in the UK in 2013, the overall prevalence was 2.8 per 1,000 population. A quarter of people estimated to be living with HIV were unaware of their infection and remain at risk of passing on their infection if having sex without a condom.
In Hastings the prevalence of HIV is 2.1 per 1,000.
Sorrel Tucker, clinical team lead for sexual health, based at Station Plaza, said: “There are approximately 110 people living with HIV in Hastings. Based on national predictions this would suggest that 20 to 30 people in Hastings remain undiagnosed.
“We would therefore encourage everyone who is or has been sexually active to have an HIV test. Those who have changes of partners and are practising safer sex (with a condom) should consider testing annually and those who have changes of partners and are practicing unsafe sex (without a condom) should consider testing every three to six months.”
People living with HIV can expect a near normal life span if they are diagnosed promptly and receive treatment, however those diagnosed late in infection have a 10-fold increased risk of death following diagnosis.
For National HIV Testing Week and World AIDS Day the Sexual Health Department at Station Plaza is offering five days of finger prick testing for HIV with results available within 20 minutes. No appointment is necessary.
These will be available from Tuesday, December 2 to Friday, December 5, from 8.30am to 7.15pm.
National HIV Testing Week runs until Sunday (November 30).
World AIDS Day is on Monday (December 1), which encourages people around the world to unite in the fight against HIV.