Sandwell Council’s Public Health Team is joining forces with Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust colleagues this World Aids Day as they get aboard a special bus which will be touring the borough.

World Aids Day is observed on 1st December each year and is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV and AIDS by increasing awareness, tackling prejudice and improving education.

The bus will be staffed by public health and clinical professionals sharing advice and support, as well as helping people order free testing kits, and delivering an awareness session for students at Sandwell College’s Central Campus in West Bromwich.

Locations are:

9.15am-10am: Haden Hill Leisure Centre, Barrs Road, Cradley Heath;

10.35am-10.50pm: Lyng Centre, Frank Fisher Way, West Bromwich;

11.10am-11.45am: Sandwell Council House, Freeth Street, Oldbury;

12noon-12.45pm: Pavilion, West Smethwick Park, West Park Road; 1

.05pm-2pm: Tesco, New Square, West Bromwich;

2.30pm-3.20pm: Murray Hall Community Trust, The Bridge, St Marks Road, Tipton;

3.45pm-4.40pm: Wednesbury Leisure Centre, High Bullen, Wednesbury.

Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust along with Sandwell Council’s Public Health Team are also able to offer advice about medicines such as PrEP to help people who are HIV negative but more at risk of getting HIV. Councillor Suzanne Hartwell, cabinet member for adults, social care and health, said:

“Sandwell is committed to meeting the Towards Zero HIV transmissions by 2030 and ensuring that HIV is not just something we think about on December 1st, World AIDS day. Simple measures such as using protection keep people safe from all STIs including HIV.

“HIV stigma can make life difficult for people with HIV, but HIV can affect anyone regardless of gender, race, religion or sexuality.

“Protecting yourself and others is as simple as getting a health check and using protection. And if you are concerned you may have HIV, you can order a free test online, carry it out in the privacy and comfort of your own home and receive the results straight to your phone within a few days.”

Mayor of Sandwell, Councillor Richard Jones, added: “I want to remind everyone how easy it is to get tested for AIDS and to ‘know your status’.

“It is important for my community to remove the shame and stigma associated with HIV and AIDS. We will continue to work towards Zero HIV transmissions by 2030 and make sure HIV will be eradicated from our society.”

More than 105,200 people are living with HIV in the UK. Globally, there is an estimated 38 million people who have the virus. More than 35 million people have died of HIV or AIDS-related illnesses since it was first identified in 1984, making it one of the most destructive pandemics in history.

Free, discrete, confidential HIV home testing kits are available here with results available in five working days. After you’ve ordered yours, a small discreetly packaged box will arrive in the post and you’ll received your results by email or text within three to five working days.

You can also arrange an appointment at one of Sandwell’s sexual health clinics if you would prefer to see someone face to face. For more information visit the Healthy Sandwell website or call 0800 1114656 for more information.