National HIV Testing Week begins on Monday 9 February and runs until 15 February, encouraging people across England to test regularly for HIV.

The week focuses on groups most affected by HIV, including gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, while reminding everyone who is sexually active that regular testing is an important part of looking after their sexual health.

People can live with HIV for a long time without knowing it. An estimated 4,700 people are currently living with undiagnosed HIV in England. Late diagnosis remains a concern, particularly among Black African men and women and younger people.

Finding out sooner means you can start treatment early, stay healthy, and avoid passing HIV on to anyone else. Effective treatment also means that HIV cannot be passed on through sex.

(Undetectable = Untransmittable / U=U).

How can I get tested?

Testing for HIV with CNWL is quick, easy, confidential and free. Testing usually involves a simple finger-prick test, and you can even test at home.

If you have HIV, finding out means you can start treatment, stay healthy and avoid passing the virus on to anyone else.

CNWL runs sexual health services across London and Surrey, with several ways to access HIV testing:

If you live in London

• Book a quick check appointment at one of our clinics (often available the same day), or 
• Order free HIV tests online.

If you live in Surrey

• Residents aged 16 and over can order home testing kits through our dedicated Surrey sexual health pages

Anyone diagnosed with HIV in the UK can access free treatment and support.

CNWL provides HIV care and treatment:

• In London at the Bloomsbury Clinic
• In Surrey at clinics in Guildford and Redhill 

During National HIV Testing Week, free HIV testing kits are also available online via the website.

Who should test?

Testing for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) at least once a year is good sexual health practice for everyone who is sexually active, even if you feel well.

You may need to test more often depending on your sexual activity and number of partners.

Specific recommendations include:

• Men who have sex with men should test at least once a year, or every three months if having sex without condoms with new or casual partners
• BAME communities should have regular HIV and STI testing if having sex without condoms with new or casual partners
• Trans women and trans men who have sex with men should test regularly, annually or every three months depending on risk

The best way to protect yourself from HIV

The most effective ways to protect against HIV are:

• Using condoms
• Taking PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis)

PrEP is a medicine that people at risk of HIV can take to prevent infection. When taken as prescribed, it is highly effective and can help you stay in control of your sexual health.

PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) is an emergency treatment that can stop HIV infection after exposure. It must be taken within 72 hours and is available through sexual health services.

Health promotion and community testing during HIV Testing Week

During National HIV Testing Week, CNWL sexual health teams will be delivering community outreach, events and testing promotion across London and Surrey:

Where can I find out more?

National HIV Testing Week is funded by the Department of Health and Social Care and delivered by Terrence Higgins Trust, as part of HIV Prevention England.