SDLP Foyle MP Mark Durkan has taken a HIV test at Westminster this week to help raise awareness of the importance of HIV testing.
And he says he wants to show his support for the 100,000 people living with the virus on both sides of the Irish Sea.
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: “Around a quarter of people who have HIV are still undiagnosed and thus far more likely to pass the virus on.
“I am therefore delighted to support this important campaign which aims to halve the proportion of people diagnosed late with HIV – and would encourage those most at risk to take a test.
“HIV testing is fast and simple, and it’s one of the best weapons we have to stop the spread of HIV.”
Professor Simon Barton, Consultant in Genitourinary medicine from Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, said: “This event was a critical opportunity for parliamentarians to commit to combatting HIV in the lifetime of this parliament.
“It is imperative that MPs also show their support for local implementation of HIV testing policy.”