County campaign over HIV testing

The advice comes in the run up to National HIV Testing Week, which begins on Saturday, November 19.

Adverts will be placed throughout Lancashire to encourage people to take a test and a series of events will be held in Preston. They include:

• Monday, November 21: HIV testing and information session at UCLan student’s union, 10am-3pm.

• Tuesday, November 22: HIV testing at Healthier Living, 2 Union Court, Union Street, 2pm-4pm.

•Friday, November 25: awareness session, health and wellbeing fayre at St John’s Minster Church, 10am-4pm.

County Councillor Azhar Ali, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “A quarter of people with HIV don’t know they have it and that’s a real problem. If you’re concerned at all, this is a great time to get checked out.

“Of course you can book a test at a number of places including your local GP, GUM clinic or sexual health service at any time. You can also order a sample kit to be delivered to your home, so you can take the test there.”