Steve Brine was one of 45 Parliamentarians who the 'Halfway to World AIDS day' event in Westminster on Wednesday 1st July.
Hosted by the Halve It campaign and Stuart Andrew MP, Vice-Chair of the APPG on HIV & AIDS, the event was an act of solidarity with all those living with HIV across the world every day of the year, and a demonstration of the UK's policy commitment to HIV testing.
During the event members of the Halve It steering group, including leading HIV clinicians and CEOs of patient and policy organisations, spoke with parliamentarians about HIV testing and related sexual health issues.
Steve Brine said: "HIV is quite clearly a significant public health issue in this country. I am proud to show my support for the 107,800 people living with HIV today in the UK, and it is inspiring to see so many local and national stakeholders working together to drive change."
This year's event included exhibitors who are organising Halve It Local groups designed to drive implementation of HIV testing guidance in specific regions by addressing specific issues relating to late diagnosed and undiagnosed HIV in their area.
Professor Simon Barton, Consultant in Genitourinary medicine from Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, said: This event was a critical opportunity for parliamentarians to commit to combatting HIV in the lifetime of this parliament. It is imperative that MPs across the country show their support for local implementation of HIV testing policy."
In the UK an estimated 107,800 people live with HIV every day of the year; 24% of these are undiagnosed and 42% are diagnosed late. The sooner HIV is diagnosed the sooner appropriate care can begin, and thanks to medical advancements the life expectancy of someone living with HIV has increased markedly in recent years. By ensuring that HIV testing becomes routine there will be significant long-term savings; with one early HIV diagnosis saving the NHS £63,061.