Colchester MP backs National HIV Testing Week
Colchester MP Sir Bob Russell finds out more about National HIV Testing Week at Terrence Higgins Trust, Colchester. Pictured with Justin Barley, Kerry McCabe, Sarah Langenberg, Hannah Musa and Philip Reedman
Sir Bob Russell has given his support to an HIV charity at the beginning of National HIV Testing Week.
The Colchester MP visited the town’s Terrence Higgins Trust centre in the Hythe in a bid to encourage more people to get tested for the virus.
He toured the centre and spoke to staff and volunteers about the work the charity does.
Sir Bob said: “It is unacceptable that one in five people with HIV in the UK do not know they have the virus.
“Tests are quick and easy and take just 15 minutes. There are no more excuses not to get tested and I’m thrilled to be at the Terrence Higgins Trust in support of National HIV testing week.”
Adam Wilkinson, regional manager for Terrence Higgins Trust in the East of England, said: “We’re thrilled that Sir Bob Russell is helping us to raise awareness.”
National HIV Testing Week was started by Terrence Higgins Trust and HIV Prevention England in 2012 in a bid to reduce high levels of undiagnosed and late-diagnosed HIV in England.
Most Read
- 1 Pub with 'gorgeous views' named one of UK's best waterside drinking spots
- 2 Matchday Recap: How Town's 1-0 win at Burton unfolded
- 3 Suffolk village named among poshest places to live in UK
- 4 When and where will the thunderstorms hit Suffolk?
- 5 Army carries out controlled explosion of dummy tank shell in west Suffolk
- 6 Man and woman arrested on suspicion of manslaughter after death of child
- 7 Chasing a treble, style shift and potential debut - Burton v Ipswich talking points
- 8 Suffolk councillor can stay in role despite bribery sentence
- 9 Man dies following two-vehicle crash in west Suffolk town
- 10 'My darling boy' - Mum's tribute to six-month-old baby who died after crash
In 2012 there were an estimated 3,871 people living with HIV in Anglia and Essex, one in five of whom remain undiagnosed and therefore more likely to pass the virus on unwittingly.
For more information on Terrence Higgins Trust’s services in Colchester contact 01206 798595 or email info.colchester@tht.org.uk.
