HIV 'self testing kits' launched in Birmingham

55% of those diagnosed with HIV in the West Midlands between 2011 - 2013 were in a later stage of the condition. Credit: PA

Today will see the launch of an HIV self-testing programme in Birmingham, with the hope of catching the condition early among those who have been infected.

IT has come about via collaboration amongst the Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham Heartlands HIV Service and Saving Lives, a national HIV charity that's based in Birmingham.

The three organisations have come together to launch HIVTestUK - a unique service that offers users direct access to NHS quality self-testing HIV kits, expert analysis and aftercare service.

Between 2011-2013, 55% of West Midlands residents who were diagnosed with HIV were at a late stage of infection - in other words, the stage at which treatment should already have commenced.

31% were diagnosed at an even later stage of infection.

The medics and charity workers involved with HIVTestUK believe that postal tests represent a valuable way to improve "diagnosing the undiagnosed" - and get them quickly into care and onto treatment.