British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called on world leaders to take an HIV test, following his decision to become the first serving UK prime minister and G7 leader to publicly undergo one on camera.
His office released footage on Monday showing him completing a rapid home test at Downing Street on Friday, as part of a nationwide initiative to promote HIV testing.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) estimates that around 4,700 people in England are living with undiagnosed HIV. Increased testing is seen as a crucial step in identifying cases and providing treatment.
In December, Starmer reaffirmed his government’s commitment to ending new HIV cases in England by 2030. A new HIV Action Plan, outlining strategies to achieve this goal, is expected later this year.
Speaking to Metro after taking the test, Starmer said, “My task now is to speak to prime ministers and leaders worldwide and encourage them to do the same in their own countries.”
He emphasized the importance of testing, stating, “If people know their status, they can access treatment, which will help us collectively achieve the goal of ending new HIV transmissions by 2030.”
The week-long testing campaign, organized by the Terrence Higgins Trust and funded by the Department of Health and Social Care, has been running annually in England since 2012.
During the initiative, people across the country can order free HIV test kits, with options for instant results at home or laboratory analysis that also screens for syphilis.
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