The sale of HIV self-testing kits has been legalised in Northern Ireland from today.

The change in the law, originally announced on World AIDS Day last month, now comes into force, following the legalisation of similar kits across Great Britain in April 2014.

Health Minister Simon Hamilton said at the time: “The change in the law will allow HIV self-testing kits to be sold to the public in Northern Ireland.

“Some people are reluctant to get tested for a number of reasons, including stigma and a fear of being judged, so self-testing will have an important role in reaching those who are not using existing services.”

Regulations have been used to revoke the HIV Testing Kits and Services Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1992.

The move was welcomed by HIV charity Positive Life.

Positive Life CEO Jacquie Richardson said: “Self-testing will enable people to test in the privacy of their own homes, empowering them to take a test but also likely revealing earlier diagnoses and earlier treatment, reducing the prevalence of HIV in the years to come.”