Category: Northern Ireland

HIV self tests now available in North thanks to legal change

From yesterday, following a legal move1 made by the North’s health minister, it is now possible to buy HIV self-testing kits and to test yourself for HIV. Speaking on World AIDS Day, [Simon Hamilton MLA] said: “The change in the law will allow HIV self-testing kits to be sold to the public in Northern Ireland. Some people are … Continue reading HIV self tests now available in North thanks to legal change

51% of new HIV diagnoses were made at a late stage.

“Statistics show that 51% of new HIV diagnoses were made at a late stage. If you’ve put yourself at risk it is really important to get tested for HIV to ensure an early diagnosis. People respond better to treatment when they are diagnosed at an earlier stage of disease.”—Dr Neil Irvine, Consultant in Public Health, … Continue reading 51% of new HIV diagnoses were made at a late stage.

HIV self-testing kits to be legal in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland’s Health Minister, Simon Hamilton MLA, has announced his intention to lift the restrictions on HIV self-testing in Northern Ireland. Currently anyone wishing to test for HIV has to go to a health professional at a GP surgery, sexual health clinic or Genitourinary Medicine (GUM) clinic. Self-testing involves an individual taking a sample, performing … Continue reading HIV self-testing kits to be legal in Northern Ireland