Doctors are encouraging people at risk of HIV to take advantage of free testing to ensure an early diagnosis.

The call comes ahead of National HIV Testing Week, which runs from Saturday 17 to Friday November 23.

Waltham Forest Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is reminding people in the borough that patients with advanced HIV are more likely to have a severely damaged immune system and those diagnosed late are 10 times more likely to die within a year.

Last year, 43 per cent of people found to have HIV in the UK were diagnosed late, many of whom will have seen their GP in the three years leading up to diagnosis, reporting symptoms.

Dr Anwar Khan, GP and chairman of Waltham Forest CCG, said: “Early diagnosis is key to supporting patients to manage HIV as a long-term condition.

“We want to make testing as easy an experience as possible and we would encourage anyone with any concerns to come and get tested.

“We also want to ensure we don’t miss opportunities to test for HIV when patients arrive at the surgery with tell-tale signs. 

“We will continue our year round work to help tackle the stigma of HIV and reach people early enough to support them to live long and fulfilling lives.”

To find out more about a HIV test click here.