SDLP Foyle MP Mark Durkan has taken a HIV test at Westminster ahead of World Aids Day tomorrow, Tuesday, 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.
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,” added the Foyle MP.