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Key Points

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer made history by becoming the first serving G7 leader to take a public HIV test at Downing Street. His action supports National HIV Testing Week and raises awareness about HIV testing and treatment. Starmer aims to end new HIV transmissions in England by 2030 and is launching a comprehensive HIV Action Plan. The campaign includes distributing 20,000 free testing kits to encourage more people to know their health status.

Key Points: Starmer Makes History with Public HIV Test at Downing Street

  • First G7 leader to take public HIV test
  • Supports National HIV Testing Week campaign
  • Aims to end new HIV transmissions by 2030
  • 20,000 free testing kits available
2 min read

UK: PM Keir Starmer becomes first serving PM to take public HIV test

UK PM Keir Starmer becomes first G7 leader to take public HIV test, supporting National HIV Testing Week awareness campaign

"It is really important to do it, and I am pleased to have taken part too. - Keir Starmer"

London, February 11

Keir Starmer became the first serving UK Prime Minister and G7 leader to take a "public HIV test," the UK Prime Minister's Office shared on Monday.

As per a statement issued by the UK PM's Office, Starmer took the test in support of National HIV Testing Week in the UK.

"Joined by Terrence Higgins Trust Patron Beverley Knight, the Prime Minister took a rapid home test to raise awareness that during National HIV Testing Week", the official statement said.

In a post on X, Terrence Higgins Trust also shared, "An HIV test from home @10DowningStreet Sir Keir Starmer has become the first Prime Minister and G7 leader to take a public HIV test, as part of National HIV Testing Week which starts today."

https://x.com/THTorguk/status/1888830568533565825

After taking the test, Starmer said, "It is really important to do it, and I am pleased to have taken part too. It's easy, it is quick. And during testing week you can get a test free - so it is a great time to also take part."

He added, "If people test, they will know their status, it is better that people know, and that is a good thing because you can then get access to treatment, and that will also help meet our collective target to end new HIV transmissions by 2030."

According to the statement by the Prime Minister's Office, PM Starmer has committed towards ending new HIV cases in England by 2030, with a new HIV Action Plan to be published in summer 2025.

Notably, the campaign sees up to 20,000 funded kits being available to the public - centres on regular home or self-testing - one way to meet the Government's ambition to end new HIV cases in England by 2030 committed to by PM Starmer in December.

- ANI

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