COVENTRY and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust are attempting to stop the spread of HIV in the city by encouraging people to get tested.
Members of the Integrated Sexual Health Service have been out and about in Coventry to spread awareness of National HIV Testing Week, which started on Saturday (November 21).
Currently, Coventry has one of the highest rates of HIV in the West Midlands – nearly a quarter of those living with HIV do so without the knowledge that they have the virus.
Charlotte Hubbard, lead nurse for young and vulnerable people at the sexual health service, said: “We are trying to bust some of the myths around HIV.
“Lack of knowledge and understanding about the condition just reinforces fear and stigma.
“Our new dedicated community screening team makes testing easily accessible to all.”
Alison Blair, clinical nurse specialist, said: “HIV is a treatable long-term medical illness and early diagnosis can help prevent people from developing AIDs.
“The treatment is simple and free, we therefore urge people to come forward and get an HIV test.
“If a person is tested to be HIV positive we can provide them with treatment so the person can live a good quality of life.”
To book a confidential appointment for a HIV test in Coventry call 0300 020 0027.
