Millers stars back HIV check campaign

Support service PlusMe, based in All Saints’ Square, has been helping Rotherham people affected by the virus for nearly 12 months.

Millers players posed with the Get Real, Get Tested banner to back European HIV-Hepatitis Testing Week from November 20 to 27.

PlusMe project officer Karl Cooper said: “This is the second time we have supported European testing week but are pleased to offer a free and confidential home testing service in Rotherham.

“Testing week was launched in 2013 to encourage more people to become aware of their HIV status. It’s now in its third year and has expanded to include hepatitis for 2015.

“The week offers an unparalleled opportunity for partners across Europe to unite to increase awareness regarding the benefits of HIV and hepatitis testing.

“It means more people can become knowledgeable about their risks, understand that there is effective treatment available and are aware of their HIV and hepatitis status.”

The Advertiser revealed in September that cases of HIV in Rotherham had trebled during the previous 12 months.

About one in three of the 2.5 million people with HIV in Europe are unaware that they are HIV positive, figures show.

The majority with hepatitis C remain undiagnosed and only 3.5 per cent across the continent receive treatment.

Karl said: “These statistics suggest that we need to be doing more to encourage individuals who are unknowingly living with HIV or hepatitis to take a test, and to better target people who could be at risk.

“Those who are diagnosed early are more likely to respond well to treatment and live healthily for longer.”

Contact PlusMe at 01709 8289677 and find out more at www.testingweek.eu.