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SAVE THE DATE To celebrate National #HIVTestingWeek, we're hosting a Twitter Q&A with our sexual health expert Mimi, who will share information on HIV and an exciting new service coming to DOTW.
Reply below with your questions and she will respond @ 12pm on Feb 3
Hi! My name is Mimi & Iâm the HIV & STI Project Lead at @DOTW_UK.
Over the next hour, Iâm going to be answering your questions about #HIV & letting you know about our NEW remote testing service.
So grab a cuppa, pop your Qs in the comments & join the conversation! #HIVTestWeek
Over the next hour, Iâm going to be answering your questions about #HIV & letting you know about our NEW remote testing service.
So grab a cuppa, pop your Qs in the comments & join the conversation! #HIVTestWeek
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) damages the cells in your immune system & weakens your ability to fight everyday infections & disease.
If left untreated, it can develop into a chronic, potentially life-threatening condition called AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome).
If left untreated, it can develop into a chronic, potentially life-threatening condition called AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome).
A question from our supporter Brandon: Is HIV testing free for undocumented migrants? If so, where can they get access to this?
Hi Brandon, great question! HIV & STI testing is free for everyone in the UK.
Here are some handy links:
Access free HIV testing - https://freetesting.hiv/
Order a free at-home testing kit - http://www.shl.uk
Find sexual health services near you - https://www.tht.org.uk/centres-and-services
Here are some handy links:
Access free HIV testing - https://freetesting.hiv/
Order a free at-home testing kit - http://www.shl.uk
Find sexual health services near you - https://www.tht.org.uk/centres-and-services
From an anonymous supporter: Hi there, I was wondering what are the barriers for migrant communities in accessing HIV testing?
P.S. if you'd like to ask a question anonymously, please use this Google form to do so within the next hour: https://forms.gle/Dr29t2MHAAgUvp6C6
P.S. if you'd like to ask a question anonymously, please use this Google form to do so within the next hour: https://forms.gle/Dr29t2MHAAgUvp6C6
Hi, thanks for your question. Migrants face barriers such as language, accessibility, stigma, fear of compromising their stay, and digital exclusion.
#COVID19 has only compounded these challenges.
Read more in my op-ed for @IndyVoices https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/migrants-hiv-testing-covid-refugees-b1764425.html
#COVID19 has only compounded these challenges.
Read more in my op-ed for @IndyVoices
https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/migrants-hiv-testing-covid-refugees-b1764425.html
Now for some fast facts about #HIV in 
It's estimated that 102,500 people were living with HIV in 2019.
Around 1 in 16 people don't know they have the virus.
In 2018, half of those diagnosed at a late stage of infection (43%) were black African people.
#HIVTestWeek
It's estimated that 102,500 people were living with HIV in 2019. Around 1 in 16 people don't know they have the virus. In 2018, half of those diagnosed at a late stage of infection (43%) were black African people.#HIVTestWeek
The good news is that 98% of people diagnosed with HIV were on treatment, 97% of whom were virally suppressed which means they canât pass the virus on.
Based on this, the UK has met @UNAIDS' 90-90-90 target (90% diagnosed, 90% on treatment, 90% virally suppressed) BUT...
Based on this, the UK has met @UNAIDS' 90-90-90 target (90% diagnosed, 90% on treatment, 90% virally suppressed) BUT...
... this isn't reflected in particularly vulnerable communities, e.g. undocumented migrants & sex workers, who struggle to access mainstream health services.
We hope to improve access to HIV testing & treatment for these groups with our new remote service.
We hope to improve access to HIV testing & treatment for these groups with our new remote service.
A question from Rashika: What are the symptoms of HIV?
Some people may experience flu-like symptoms within 2-6wks of contracting HIV, e.g. a temperature or sore throat.
After this the virus may not cause any symptoms for several years, therefore, I advise regular testing to know your status. https://freetesting.hiv/
After this the virus may not cause any symptoms for several years, therefore, I advise regular testing to know your status. https://freetesting.hiv/
