At risk groups in Bolton have been urged to take advantage of free, quick and confidential screening as part of National HIV Testing Week.
The weeklong campaign, organised by the Terrence Higgins Trust, runs from November 17th to 23rd.
The week encourages everyone to have a free test but with a particular focus on groups most affected by HIV, including gay and bisexual men and black African men and women.
According to Public Health England, 44 per cent of HIV patients in Bolton are diagnosed late.
Around one in eight people living with HIV in the UK remain undiagnosed, which means they are not accessing the treatment they need to live well and are increasing the chances of unwittingly passing on the virus.
Pop-up testing is taking place at venues across Greater Manchester during the week, including local bars and nightclubs.
A session will be held at the British Red Cross, Victoria Hall in Bolton on Monday, November 19th from 10.30am to 2pm.
Testing and advice is also available year-round at local sexual health clinics.
Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health, Cllr Debbie Newall, said: “We encourage anyone who might be at risk to come and get a free, confidential test.
“Today, if you test positive, effective treatment means you can live as long as anyone else, and when the amount of the virus in your blood is reduced to undetectable levels, this means you cannot pass on HIV.
“Testing puts you in control and isn’t something to be afraid of.”
For more information about National HIV Testing Week visit www.startswithme.org.uk.
At-risk groups can have a free self-test kit sent to their home by visiting www.test.hiv.
For a full list of pop-up test centres across Greater Manchester during HIV Testing Week visit bit.ly/HIVtestGM.