A drive to make HIV tests easier to arrange across Herts has been given the green light by County Hall.

The Herts County Council decision to support to join the national ‘Halve It’ campaign is backed by health chiefs.

Councillor Teresa Heritage, the county’s lead member of public health issues, said: “Helping our residents to lead longer, happier lives really matters to us, which is why we are investing in local sexual health services, including making it as easy as possible for people to get HIV tested.

“We know that health outcomes for people with HIV are better when they are diagnosed earlier, so it’s really important they get tested.”

The drive includes increasing HIV testing through GPs, pharmacies and healthcare and community settings, particularly in areas where HIV rates and late diagnoses are highest, and the introduction of a new service so that people can get hold of free home sampling kits through a new website.

To find out more about the sexual health services available in Herts, including where you can have an HIV test, call Sexual Health Hertfordshire on 0300 008 5522.