Labour MP Kevin McKenna reveals his HIV status, urging everyone to get tested and debunking the stigma surrounding the virus. He highlights the importance of testing for all, regardless of gender or sexual orientation, and emphasizes the advancements in treatment that have made HIV manageable.
Kevin McKenna, a Labour MP for Sittingbourne and Sheppey in Kent, recently disclosed his HIV diagnosis during a debate in Westminster Hall. He emphasized the importance of testing for everyone, regardless of gender or sexual orientation, stating that it's a simple finger prick and there should be no stigma associated with it.
McKenna joins a growing number of prominent individuals who have publicly shared their HIV status, including Lord Chris Smith and former Brighton Kemptown MP Lloyd Russell Moyle. McKenna's journey began in 2004 when, as a frontline nurse working in London hospitals, he tested positive for HIV. He had previously undergone tests due to his profession and the prevalence of the AIDS epidemic among his patients in the early 1980s. He shared that the stigma surrounding HIV from that era still persists today. Now, McKenna takes a daily combination of antiretroviral therapy (ART) to suppress the virus and prevent transmission. He describes taking his medication as a routine part of his life, alongside prescriptions for statins and arthritis. While he acknowledges the challenges he's faced over the years, he expresses optimism about the advancements in HIV treatment and the possibility of eliminating new infections by 2030. McKenna believes that scientists are making significant strides towards developing long-acting therapies and even a vaccine, which were unimaginable during the darkest days of the epidemic. The UK government has pledged to end new HIV transmissions by 2030. According to the NHS, individuals can access HIV testing through various avenues, including private clinics, sexual health or GUM clinics, charities like the Terrence Higgins Trust, some GP surgeries, contraception and young people's clinics, local drug dependency services, and antenatal clinics. Online testing options are also available. In 2023, approximately 113,500 people were living with HIV in the UK, with 5,200 remaining undiagnosed. Campaigners emphasize that the lack of testing reflects the echoes of the AIDS epidemic, where stigma and fear of shame deterred many from seeking testing. Persistent myths that HIV is only contracted by gay men contribute to the issue, with a recent poll revealing that 25% of heterosexual men avoid HIV testing due to this misconception
HIV MP Diagnosis Stigma Testing Treatment UK Labour Party Health Campaigning AIDS
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Katie Price’s family and friends ‘fear she’s too weak for more surgery’ after weight loss...Katie Price breaks silence over ‘weight loss jabs’ after fans fear for skinny star
Read more »
Katya Jones breaks silence over Wynne Evans' Strictly axe after 'pain caused'Strictly Come Dancing professional Katya Jones has broken her silence after her dance partner Wynne Evans has been axed from the live tour, following an 'inappropriate' comment he made
Read more »
Sam Altman breaks his silence on new ChatGPT rival after Chinese start up DeepSeek wiped $1trillion...President Donald Trump announces the formation of Stargate, alongside Sam Altman, Larry Ellison and Masayoshi Son.
Read more »
Snoop Dogg breaks silence on performing at Donald Trump's inauguration after fans slammed his...Rappers Snoop Dogg and Rick Ross, and Soulja Boy post video of them together before performing at Trump Crypto Ball event ahead of Trump's Inauguration as a celebration for their win
Read more »
Kyogo breaks silence on Celtic exit as he seals £10m transfer to RennesThe fans' favourite has left Parkhead for a fresh challenge in France
Read more »
Jota breaks silence on Celtic transfer return as winger seals Rennes transferThe Portuguese star is back in Glasgow after challenging spells with Rennes and Al Ittihad
Read more »