HIV self-testing kits are available in stores for the first time ever.
Superdrug has started stocking the BioSURE HIV Self Testing Kit in the 200 of its high-street shops which have an in-store pharmacy.
The kit, which is also available on Superdrug’s website for £33.95, can be obtained for free until November free for men who have sex with men, transgender women and black African people if you order it from the Terrence Higgins Trust (THT), as part of a publicly funded programme.
The self-testing kits give a result in 15 minutes or less, using just a small blood sample from a finger prick.
In 2016, 42 percent of HIV diagnoses happened at a late stage of infection, a figure which will hopefully reduce as access to tests becomes easier.
BioSure CEO Brigette Bard told PinkNews: “It’s time to change the conversation, take control, and end this epidemic!
“We are passionate about allowing people to make informed choices and assume responsibility for their own healthcare. Knowing your status is the necessary first step.
“Around 37 million people worldwide live with HIV or AIDS and there are an estimated 1.8 million new cases every year. However, it is an entirely manageable condition with normal life expectancy.
“Once HIV is virally suppressed (undetectable) you can’t even pass the virus on – meaning together with education and innovation we can end this epidemic!”
Michael Henry, Superdrug’s healthcare director, said: “We are delighted to be the first high street retailer to add BioSURE HIV Self Test to our in-store portfolio and to give our customers more accessibility when it comes to self-testing – it’s absolutely crucial that people know their status.
“Superdrug constantly listens to its customers and reviews its healthcare offerings; we pride ourselves in continuing to lead the way when it comes to healthcare on the high street.”
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