The Commons: Keir Starmer's Public HIV Test
Leon Neal
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has taken a significant step in public health advocacy by becoming the first serving G7 leader to publicly take a HIV test. Filming at 10 Downing Street on the 10th of February, he marked the beginning of National HIV testing week by helping to destigmatize the process of testing for HIV and encourage the British public to do the same in order to achieve the Government’s goal of ending new HIV transmissions by 2030.
“It is really important to do it, and I am pleased to have taken part too. It’s easy, it is quick. And during testing week you can get a test free – so it is a great time to also take part.” – PM Keir Starmer
The UK has had issues with HIV/AIDS in the past. In 1981, the first recorded case of AIDS was documented in the UK, having contracted the virus during visits to Florida. There was mass media attention to the outbreak and it was wrongly reported at the time as a virus that only affects homosexual men and spread through male gay intercourse. This strongly contributed to an establishment of negative stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS. Public understanding was limited, and misconceptions about transmission were rampant. The government's 1987 "AIDS: Don't Die of Ignorance" campaign sought to address these issues by distributing leaflets to every household, emphasizing that anyone could be at risk.
While this was a positive campaign and helped to dismantle the stigma surrounding testing, a dark chapter in the UK's HIV history is the contaminated blood scandal of the 1970s and 1980s. Thousands of patients, particularly hemophiliacs, were infected with HIV and hepatitis C through tainted blood products supplied by the National Health Service. This tragedy led to over 3,000 deaths and decades of campaigning for justice. In the 1980s, the Thatcher administration attempted to curb the spread of the virus by implementing harm reduction measures, such as syringe exchange programs and methadone maintenance, to combat the spread of HIV. These initiatives were considered progressive and effective at the time. Recently, the government has allocated £11.8 billion for compensation to the victims, acknowledging the profound failures of the past.
The 1990s brought significant progress. The introduction of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) in 1996 transformed HIV from a fatal diagnosis to a manageable chronic condition. This advancement drastically reduced mortality rates and improved the quality of life for those infected. Legislative measures were also used. The Equality Act 2010 classified HIV as a disability from the point of diagnosis, offering legal protection against discrimination. This was a pivotal step in safeguarding the rights of individuals living with HIV in the UK.
By openly undergoing a HIV test, Starmer seeks to challenge prevailing stigmas associated with HIV by normalizing testing and encouraging individuals who may hesitate to test themselves for the virus due to fear or misinformation. Approximately 107,000 people live with HIV in the UK, with an estimated 4,700 unaware of their status. Early detection is crucial for effective treatment and preventing further transmission, which the government see as a key goal for the future. The government have also committed to a £1.5 million fund to increase HIV testing, reduce stigma, tackle health disparities, and raise awareness.
Public figures have always played a huge role in destigmatizing HIV testing in the UK. For example, Princess Diana massively contributed to transforming public perceptions of HIV/AIDS during the 1980s and 1990s. At a time when fear and misinformation about the virus were widespread, her compassionate actions challenged societal stigmas and humanized those affected. In April 1987, Diana opened the UK's first dedicated HIV/AIDS unit at London's Middlesex Hospital. During this visit, she was famously photographed shaking hands with a patient without wearing gloves, a gesture that powerfully countered the prevalent misconception that HIV could be transmitted through physical contact. This act of kindness was instrumental in changing public attitudes towards the disease.
Throughout her life, Diana continued to advocate for those living with HIV/AIDS. She became the patron of the National AIDS Trust and frequently visited hospitals and hospices, offering comfort to patients. Her involvement also extended beyond the UK; in 1997, she met with Nelson Mandela in South Africa to discuss the global HIV/AIDS crisis. Mandela later praised her efforts, stating, "When she sat on the bed of a man with HIV/AIDS and held his hand, she transformed public attitudes and improved the life chances of such people."
Diana's legacy in HIV/AIDS advocacy set a precedent for public figures using their platforms to effect positive change. Her empathetic approach not only raised awareness but also encouraged open dialogue about the disease, paving the way for subsequent initiatives and other public campaigns aimed at destigmatization and supporting those affected. In 2016, Prince Harry and singer Rihanna took an HIV test together, which subsequently led to a significant increase in test requests, demonstrating the impact of high-profile endorsements on public health initiatives.
Despite these advancements, challenges remain. Stigma and misinformation continue to hinder testing and prevention efforts. The Information Commissioner's Office has highlighted persistent breaches of sensitive information, emphasizing the need for discretion and sensitivity regarding individuals' HIV status. Prime Minister Keir Starmer's public HIV test is an important moment in the UK's ongoing battle against HIV/AIDS and he has encouraged other important political figures to follow suit. By normalizing testing and challenging longstanding stigmas, this initiative encourages individuals to get tested and seek early treatment if necessary. Coupled with government funding and public health campaigns, the UK is making significant strides toward its goal of ending new HIV transmissions by 2030.
