London [UK], February 11 (HBTV): Keir Starmer has become the first serving UK Prime Minister and G7 leader to take a 'public HIV test,' the UK Prime Minister's Office announced on Monday.

According to a statement from the UK PM's Office, Starmer took the test in support of National HIV Testing Week in the UK.

'Joined by Terrence Higgins Trust patron Beverley Knight, the Prime Minister took a rapid home test to raise awareness during National HIV Testing Week,' the statement read.

In a post on X, the Terrence Higgins Trust shared, 'An HIV test from home @10DowningStreet. Sir Keir Starmer has become the first Prime Minister and G7 leader to take a public HIV test as part of National HIV Testing Week, which starts today.'

After taking the test, Starmer said, 'It is really important to do it, and I am pleased to have taken part too. It's easy, it is quick. And during testing week, you can get a test free—so it is a great time to also take part.'

He added, 'If people test, they will know their status. It is better that people know, and that is a good thing because you can then get access to treatment, and that will also help meet our collective target to end new HIV transmissions by 2030.'

According to the Prime Minister's Office, Starmer has committed to ending new HIV cases in England by 2030, with a new HIV Action Plan set to be published in summer 2025.

The campaign, which provides up to 20,000 funded kits to the public, focuses on regular home or self-testing—one method to achieve the government's goal of ending new HIV cases in England by 2030, a commitment made by Starmer in December.

(ANI)