Last Night I appeared on the @bbcasiannetwork Group Chat :
Are We Complacent About HIV?

I joined @Mobeen_Azhar to discuss how far we've come in our attitudes & understanding of #HIVAIDS.
*The shame & stigma of #HIV that exists, amongst South Asians. 1/ https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000s362

I shared my own journey living with HIV & my Peer Support role @CNWLNHS HIV & Sexual Health services. We explored the importance of routine testing for #HIV amongst SA's. And how #COVID has unexpectedly, improved access to #HIVtesting - through online home & self-test kits. 2/

I intoduced @SAHAR_hiv
Co-founders @crageshri & I setup the committee in 2020, with peers & colleagues from across the sector; all of us of SA heritage.
Focusing on research, improving access to services, resources & educate to support orgs. & SA's;living with/affected by #HIV 3/

The recent @Channel4 @hbo TV series #ItsASin by @russelldavies63 highlighted the issues associated with #HIV @nathancurtis90
Mobeen asks if we've all become complacent about the the illness...

'It's A Sin' now available to stream on @All4 platforms. 4/
https://www.channel4.com/programmes/its-a-sin

It's important to understand that 'today' #HIV is a manageable long term condition. Be responsible, #gettested, #knowyourstatus, so you can access effective treatments - which eliminate onward transmissions of the virus; Known as #undetectable or #uequalsu
Or/ #Prep for HIV-. 5/

Forgot to mention that anyone 16+ can access a *free #HIV self testing kits* discreetly packaged & sent to your home address. A simple finger prick test, collect the samples, post the kit back & in around 10 days you recieve results.
Further info; http://freetesting.hiv . 6/

@DrRanj also on the show, recently seen supporting the @HIVPreventionEn @THTorguk campaigns; as the face of #NationalHIVTestingWeek between 1-7 Feb 21
To highlight how simple & accessible a #HIV test is; Dr.R took a test, using the kit, LIVE on @thismorning #HIVTestingWeek. 7/

Writer @sumaiyawrites who specialises in sex positivity also shares her own experiences accessing a HIV test.

Huge Thx to @Mobeen_Azhar, Hibi & @bbcasiannetwork for inviting me back, to talk about #HIV - a topic that needs continual discussion amongst South Asians. 8/