HIV Testing Week: Let’s Break Barriers and Build Awareness
February 10th–16th marks HIV Testing Week, a vital time to encourage testing, tackle HIV-related stigma, and spread awareness of the progress we’ve made in the fight against HIV.
At The Eddystone Trust, we believe that HIV Testing Week isn’t just about finding out your status—it’s about empowering people to take control of their health, challenging outdated misconceptions, and promoting life-changing messages like U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable).
Why HIV Testing Matters
Testing for HIV is free, quick, and painless, and with at-home test kits, you can get your results in minutes. Claiming your status—whether negative or positive—is a powerful step towards protecting your health and the health of those around you.
If you test negative, you can access tools like PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) and condoms to stay HIV-free. If you test positive, today’s treatments are so effective that they allow people living with HIV to lead long, healthy lives and achieve an undetectable viral load, meaning they can’t pass on the virus.
Tackling Stigma
One of the biggest barriers to HIV testing is stigma. Myths and misconceptions continue to discourage people from getting tested or seeking support. This is why HIV Testing Week is so much more than a call to action—it’s a chance to start conversations, dispel stereotypes, and create a more supportive and understanding environment for everyone.
It’s also an important time to challenge the outdated notion that HIV only affects certain groups. The reality is that HIV can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or sexuality. We all have a status—it’s either negative or positive—and knowing it empowers us to make informed decisions.
The U=U Message
A cornerstone of this year’s campaign is spreading awareness of U=U: Undetectable = Untransmittable. This groundbreaking message highlights that people living with HIV who are on effective treatment and have an undetectable viral load cannot pass the virus to their sexual partners. U=U not only eliminates the fear of transmission but also represents a monumental step forward in reducing stigma.
Get Involved
We need your help to make HIV Testing Week a success. Whether it’s encouraging testing in your community, sharing the U=U message, or helping us tackle stigma, there are so many ways to get involved.
Visit our HIV Testing Week landing page at Eddystone.org.uk/testingweek to:
- Order resources to share in your networks.
- Download our digital media pack for social media.
- Order free test kits for yourself or others.
Together, We Can Make a Difference
By supporting HIV Testing Week, we’re not just raising awareness—we’re breaking down barriers, empowering individuals, and building a future where everyone feels supported to know their status.
Let’s work together to make this year’s campaign a turning point in the fight against HIV.
For more information and resources, visit Eddystone.org.uk/testingweek.