To mark National HIV Testing Week, I participated in the Westminster Hall debate on the matter. During the debate, I welcomed the £38 million public health funding awarded to Lambeth which will go a long way towards supporting people living with HIV, funding prevention efforts and putting money into vital public health initiatives.

I voiced my gratitude for the incredible work of local councils and community organisations in increasing testing, reducing stigma, and ensuring people know their status. When caught early, HIV is treatable. While testing rates are high among some groups, they are low with others. Testing is quick, easy, and lifesaving. It is absolutely vital that everyone who is sexually active does so on a regular basis. Looking ahead, I hope to see greater international action and I look forward to the Government’s new HIV action plan this summer.