The majority of men have never tested themselves for HIV despite over a third having regular unprotected sex, according to a poll conducted ahead of National HIV Testing Week.
HIV diagnoses among heterosexual men have surged by more than a third (36%), according to the latest data released by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
Despite the increase, 73% of men have never tested themselves for HIV, despite (37%) having regular unprotected sex, the poll by Newfoundland Diagnostics found.
Common reasons for not testing include 34% believing they are unlikely to ever contract HIV and 25% of the 2,504 surveyed claiming they cannot contract HIV.
Some 20% confessed they could not be bothered to test for HIV and 15% said they had never had access to a HIV test.
Dr Hilary Jones said: “This new data shows that not only is HIV not a problem of the past – things could get much worse.
“We’ve already seen a rise in new HIV infections compared to previous years, and judging by these findings, risky sexual behaviours will no doubt exacerbate transmission rates.
“This isn’t about stigmatising sexual health, but rather using common sense and taking precautions to ensure personal and community wellbeing.
“Getting tested regularly, using protection, being open with sexual partners about sexual health status, and being able to access preventative treatments like PrEP are all small steps that can have a massive impact on HIV transmission.”
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Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to end new HIV cases within England by 2030.
But Newfoundland Diagnostics called on the government to increase education on transmission risks and lower barriers to access the HIV prevention drug PrEP, particularly for heterosexual men – as 41% in need were not able to access the drug.
Frederick Manduca, co-founder of Newfoundland Diagnostics, said: “HIV self-tests are more than a diagnostic tool – they’re a critical strategy to help shatter misconceptions, challenge the stigma around HIV and wider sexual health, and help to empower people to take control of their sexual health.
“By making testing widely accessible via supermarkets, pharmacies and online, we open doors to honest conversations and understanding.”
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It comes amid fears more than six million people could die from HIV and AIDS in the next four years if US President Donald Trump’s administration pulls its global funding for treatment programmes, the United Nations AIDS agency has said.
Mr Trump signed an executive order freezing foreign aid for a 90-day period, and while a waiver was placed on HIV/AIDS programmes, many concerns remain about the future of treatment programmes, the deputy executive director of UNAIDS said.
