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Salford residents are being urged to get tested for HIV to mark World Aids Day amid a rise in cases. 

The campaign that is being led on Sunday 1 December and will aim to break the challenges and misconception surrounding HIV testing through community outreach and awareness efforts.

Recent data that has shown that the number of heterosexual men and women newly diagnosed with HIV in England has risen by more than 30% since 2022.

The PaSH partnership, made up of BHA for Equality, George House Trust, and the LGBT Foundation, offers a range of sexual health services across Greater Manchester, including free HIV testing.

Residents in Salford who are newly diagnosed, living with or at risk of getting HIV can also receive tailored support from the PaSH partnership.

Throughout the day (Friday 29 November) the PaSH Partnership will be offering community HIV testing at Pendleton Gateway in Salford from 12pm to 3pm.

The Terrence Higgins Trust, a leading charity that also campaigns and provides services relating to HIV and sexual health highlighted the importance of awareness of the event.

As a spokesperson for the trust said,: “If you have HIV, finding out about it by taking a test means you can start treatment, stay healthy and – importantly – avoid transmitting the virus to others”.

Currently they are stressed at the need for more investment and campaigns to encourage easier access to health clinics.

They continued: “Sexual health clinics right across Greater Manchester are over-stretched and under strain and that’s why Terrence Higgins Trust is calling for more investment in sexual health services, as a priority”

More information o  PrEP and postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) can be found online via the Terrence Higgins Trust

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