Durkan takes HIV test to help raise awareness

SDLP Foyle MP Mark Durkan has taken a HIV test at Westminster ahead of World Aids Day (tomorrow December 1) to help raise awareness of the importance of HIV testing and to show his support for the 100,000 people living with the virus in the UK.

By Staff Reporter

Published 30th Nov 2015, 09:52 BST

The parliamentary event – organised by the ‘Halve It’ campaign – saw MPs come together to pledge support for efforts to halt the spread of HIV.

Mr Durkan said: “I am delighted to support World Aids Day and this important campaign which aims to halve the proportion of people diagnosed late with HIV.

“Around a quarter of people who have HIV are still undiagnosed and thus far more likely to pass the virus on.

“I would therefore encourage those most at risk to take a test.

“It is fast and simple – and one of the best weapons we have to stop the spread of HIV.

“Indeed, early testing of HIV not only saves lives but also results in substantial savings to the public health budget.”