Keir Starmer Takes Public HIV Test, Urges Global Leaders to Follow

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer made history by becoming the first serving British prime minister and G7 leader to publicly take an HIV test, encouraging others to follow suit. He performed the at-home test at 10 Downing Street with HIV activist Beverly Knight to kick off HIV Testing Week, which runs from February 10 to 17, during which 20,000 free test kits are available to the public. Starmer emphasized the importance of routine testing, stating, "It’s really important to do it and I'm really pleased to be able to do it. It's very easy, very quick." The initiative aims to reduce stigma around HIV, as around 107,000 people live with the virus in the UK, with approximately 4,700 unaware of their status. Starmer has pledged to end new HIV transmissions in England by 2030 and highlighted the availability of free, confidential testing. Richard Angell from The Terrence Higgins Trust lauded the event as a significant step in raising awareness and reducing stigma.