PEOPLE in Dorset are being urged to get tested for HIV.

According to Public Health England there are more than 4,000 people living with HIV in the south west – but many others could be unaware they have the virus.

Across the UK there are an estimated 13,500 living with an undiagnosed infection.

World Aids Day was marked on December 1.

PHE in the South West is working to reduce the number of people living with undiagnosed HIV across the region by improving access to testing, and is funding HIV home-sampling test kits which can be ordered at www.freetesting.hiv

It is critical that anyone who is at risk of HIV, such as those living in high prevalence areas or who have recently had sex with a new or casual partner, gets tested because those diagnosed early can have a life expectancy almost matching that of people who are HIV free. Across the UK, 96 per cent of people diagnosed with HIV are receiving treatment, which is good for their long term health, but also means almost all (94 per cent) on treatment will have undetectable virus levels and pose virtually no risk of passing the virus on to sexual partners.

Dr Toyin Ejidokun, consultant in communicable disease control at Public Health England South West, said: “It is very worrying that so many people with HIV in the South West are living with an undiagnosed infection and may be putting their sexual partners at risk. We hope that on World AIDS Day there will be awareness raised of the need for people to be tested if they think they are at risk of developing HIV.

“Regular HIV testing ensures that people who are unaware of their infection are quickly diagnosed and start receiving safe and effective treatment. There are now several effective ways to prevent HIV transmission. We are again working with local authorities to fund the HIV home-sampling test kit, so that those people who are less likely to visit their GP or the sexual health clinic for a HIV test – can take the test at home. It is essential that health services are aware of the prevalence of HIV in their local area and the potential demand for HIV testing.

“Ultimately, it is important that people avoid the risk of developing HIV by wearing a condom and practising safe sex.”

In 2015, 259 people (197 men and 62 women) were diagnosed with HIV in the South West – the main cause being sexual contact. There was one case of a mother passing HIV to her child and eight caused by intravenous drug abuse.

People who remain undiagnosed, or are diagnosed late, have poorer health outcomes and are more likely to die prematurely. They are also more likely to pass on the infection to others.