A total of 47 per cent of people who were told they have HIV in 2017 were diagnosed “late”, it has been revealed, as National HIV Testing Week is launched across Bucks.

Free testing for the virus will be on offer to students at Bucks New University on Tuesday, November 20 and at the University of Buckingham on Wednesday, November 21.

Latest figures for Bucks show 47 per cent of people who discovered they had the virus in 2017 were diagnosed late, compared to 41 per cent nationally, meaning their immune system may already have been damaged.

Cabinet member for community engagement and public health at Bucks County Council, Noel Brown, said: “Advances in medical treatment mean that it's entirely possible to live a normal life with HIV - but this in entirely dependent on an early diagnosis.

"If there's any possibility you might have been at risk of getting HIV, there's absolutely nothing to be gained from staying in the dark.

“Finding out puts you back in control, and will make sure that you can take advantage of the excellent treatment that's available."

The Terrence Higgins Trust – a national HIV and sexual health charity – has teamed up with Buckinghamshire’s sexual health and wellbeing service (bSHaW) to carry out the free tests.

Sexual health practitioner at the trust, Nigel French, said: “This National HIV Testing Week we’re encouraging anyone who might be at risk to come and get a free, confidential HIV test. Testing for HIV is quick and easy, getting your results in less than 15 minutes.

"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 is nothing to be feared."

Bucks residents can also take a free confidential HIV test at any bSHaW sexual health clinic. To find your nearest clinic visit www.sexualhealthbucks.nhs.uk