The winner of the following basic election may help the UK eradicate AIDS worldwide by the tip of the last decade, Sir Elton John has informed MPs.
The singer spoke to a cross-party mix of politicians in Westminster after the federal government introduced a rise in opt-out testing for HIV at accident and emergency departments in all excessive prevalence areas for the virus in England.
Some 46 extra A&Es will make use of the testing, up from the prevailing 34 that have been participating in a trial – which additionally screens for viruses like hepatitis B and C.
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Since April final 12 months, round 4,000 folks with HIV have been recognized via the scheme after greater than 1.4 million samples have been examined.
It is believed greater than 4,500 individuals are dwelling in England with HIV however are usually not conscious.
“Automatic testing gets to people earlier, which means less HIV transmission, less illness, less death and by the estimate of health economists, £50m saved for the NHS,” Sir Elton mentioned.
“So, to hear today from the secretary of state that this work will be expanded to every high HIV prevalence area… 46 new accident and emergency departments in local hospitals across England… more than doubling the number of HIV tests, is truly wonderful news.”
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He continued: “Whoever wins the next general election can help to end AIDS worldwide by 2030.
“Starting proper right here at dwelling. In the UK, new HIV diagnoses are down 46% since their peak in 2015.
“We can be the first country in the world to defeat this awful virus. Playing our part, fulfilling the United Nations goal and showing other nations how it’s done.”
Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons, mentioned: “It is an honour to host this reception for Elton John in recognition of his work to end HIV and AIDS.
“Sir Elton has been an unwavering advocate within the struggle in opposition to HIV and AIDS for 4 a long time. His efforts have helped destigmatize the illness, promote training, and supply essential assist to these affected, making him a real champion within the purpose to finish AIDS.”
Florence Eshalomi MP, co-chair of the all party parliamentary group on HIV/AIDS, said: “We are delighted that the federal government in the present day has taken concrete steps to extend and normalise HIV testing within the UK.
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“The APPG believes that as parliamentarians, we should play our part in addressing this epidemic and this is something we have been calling for following the successful roll-out of opt-out to extremely high prevalence areas.
“We additionally echo Elton John’s feedback that while this may have a really actual and important influence, there may be nonetheless an enormous quantity that must be finished to finish the AIDS epidemic each right here within the UK and overseas.”
Source: information.sky.com”