BOURTON councillor Paul Hodgkinson is backing a campaign to promote the importance of regular HIV testing.

Leader of the Lib Dems on Gloucestershire County Council, Cllr Hodgkinson, spoke out on the importance of regular HIV testing as National HIV Testing Week starts on Saturday, November 18.

Cllr Hodgkinson said: “I fully support the ‘It starts with me’ campaign.

"Data shows that in 2016 there were 10,268 HIV tests carried out in sexual health clinics in Gloucestershire.

"The actual number of tests is likely to be higher as this figure does not include all HIV tests carried out in GP surgeries in the county, but it is still only 2 per cent of the estimated 492,000 adult population aged 18 and over living in the county.

“I have personally been tested for HIV in the last couple of months and I would strongly encourage people to be tested too.

“I am pleased that my test results came back negative, but it cannot be underestimated that regular testing is key in diagnosing and treating Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) promptly.

“It is better to be safe than sorry and I would therefore encourage anyone who is sexually active to get tested today.”