HIV bus clinic offers free tests for Croydon residents

National HIV Testing Week. Pic: Terence Higgins Trust

A mobile HIV clinic is offering free testing with immediate results in Croydon for the second year running.

The bus will stop in North End, South Norwood, Thornton Heath, New Addington and East Croydon Station for the duration of National HIV testing week. It will then remain in Croydon until World AIDs day on December 1.

Currently 57 per cent of people with HIV in Croydon are diagnosed at a late stage of the infection, which puts them at higher risk of passing on the virus.

Last year around 300 people in Croydon were tested at the mobile clinic.

The Croydon Health and Wellbeing Board are urging people to “test early and treat early”. Councillor Maggie Mansell, chair of the board said: “we are encouraging as many people as possible to visit the local health bus for a free, confidential HIV test and receive advice and information from our excellent sexual health team.”

National HIV testing week which runs from November 22 – 30, is led by the Terrence Higgins Trust who suggest local residents get involved and make commitments to testing.

Daisy Ellis, acting policy director at Terrence Higgins Trust in London said: “There are more reasons to know your HIV status than there are not to.”

“Reducing undiagnosed HIV is the most important step we can take in our efforts to halt the spread of the epidemic. Once people are diagnosed, they can access life-saving treatment that will keep them fit and well. People who are on treatment are also far less likely to pass the virus on unwittingly.”

For further information about when the bus is in your area click here.

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