Sir Keir Starmer becomes the first sitting prime minister to take a public HIV test. Joined by Terrence Higgins Trust representatives, the PM took a rapid home test to raise awareness of National HIV Testing Week. The government has committed to ending new HIV cases in England by 2030, with a new HIV Action Plan to be published in summer 2025.

Sir Keir Starmer has taken an HIV test in an effort to help destigmatise checking for the sexually transmitted virus.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer took an HIV test at Downing Street alongside singer and HIV campaigner Beverley Knight as part of national HIV testing week

Sir Keir Starmer has become the first Western prime minister to take a public HIV test in an effort to remove the stigma that surrounds testing for the virus. Ahead of HIV Testing Week, which starts today (February 10), the Prime Minister took an at-home test at 10 Downing Street alongside soul singer Beverley Knight.

Keir Starmer becomes first prime minister to take HIV test Source: PA

Keir Starmer became the first serving UK Prime Minister and G7 leader to take a "public HIV test," the UK Prime Minister's Office shared on Monday. As per a statement issued by the UK PM's Office, Starmer took the test in support of National HIV Testing Week in the UK.

Keir Starmer has taken an HIV test in public as a way to de-stigmatise testing in the UK. The prime minister sat alongside singer and HIV activist Beverley Knight, and Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) chief executive Richard Angell to use the HIV home test kit.

The Prime Minister has urged the public to take part in HIV Testing Week by taking a test himself at 10 Downing Street.

Sir Keir Starmer has challenged politicians around the world to follow his example after becoming the first G20 leader to publicly take an HIV test. The Prime Minister took the rapid detection test in front of cameras at Downing Street to demonstrate the ease of finding out your status at home ahead of the Terrence Higgins Trust’s HIV Testing Week.