Watch: Stephen Fry urges fans to get tested during HIV testing week
Stephen Fry has urged at-risk groups to ensure they are tested for HIV, in a video for HIV Testing Week.
The comedian and TV host recorded a clip with the Terrence Higgins Trust to mark National HIV Testing Week, which is taking place this week in the build-up to World AIDS Day.
Mr Fry spoke about the need for testing across at-risk communities, including men who have sex with men.
He said: “Testing is something that is absolutely vital in the fight against AIDS. Rapid testing and repeat testing.
“People, especially those in the higher-risk groups – like men who have sex with men and people from the black African communities – need to test themselves as often as is practicable, and without stigma or fear.
“Around the country, there needs to be an equal spread of testing opportunities for those who need it, and National HIV Testing Week is a very good example of how to make the message fun and direct for those who need to hear it.”
Dr Christian Jessen has also backed the campaign, and is serving as National HIV Testing Week Ambassador.
He said: “I am proud to be the National HIV Testing Week Ambassador. Testing for HIV is crucial for prevention.
“The fact that diagnoses have increased is encouraging in one sense. If you get tested and receive a positive diagnosis, you can now immediately go onto treatment, and if you are on medication you are classed as ‘undetectable’ and the virus cannot be passed on.
“Most concerning to me is the fact that nearly one in six people with HIV do not realise they have it, so they are putting their own health at risk and HIV could unknowingly be passed on.”
