Tesco offers 15-minute HIV tests as stigma persists

 

Tesco has become the first supermarket in the UK to offer at-home HIV tests, which can provide results in 15 minutes. The tests, which are manufactured by BioSURE, are available in selected stores and online for £33.99. They are designed to detect the presence of HIV antibodies in a finger-prick blood sample.

The launch of the tests comes as people living with HIV say they still face stigma and discrimination, despite the advances in treatment and prevention. According to a survey by the Terrence Higgins Trust, a leading HIV charity, 77% of people with HIV have experienced stigma in the last 12 months, and 36% have felt suicidal because of it.

The charity says that stigma is fuelled by myths and misconceptions about HIV, such as the belief that it is a death sentence, that it can be transmitted through casual contact, or that it only affects certain groups of people. These false beliefs can prevent people from getting tested, accessing treatment, and disclosing their status to others.

Ian Green, the chief executive of the Terrence Higgins Trust, said: “We welcome Tesco’s decision to stock HIV self-test kits, which will make testing more accessible and convenient for many people. Testing is the only way to know your HIV status, and early diagnosis is key to living well with HIV and preventing onward transmission. However, we also need to tackle the stigma and discrimination that people living with HIV face, which can have a devastating impact on their mental health and well-being. We urge everyone to educate themselves about HIV, challenge the myths and stereotypes, and show support and solidarity to those living with the virus.”

Brigette Bard, the founder and chief executive of BioSURE, said: “We are delighted that Tesco is the first supermarket to stock our HIV self-test kits, which will make them more widely available and accessible to the general public. Our tests are simple, reliable, and discreet, and they empower people to take control of their own health. We hope that by making HIV testing more normal and routine, we can help reduce the stigma and fear that still surrounds the virus.”