A borough MP has tested for HIV as he encourages residents to get checked too.

Bury South MP Christian Wakeford decided to publicly test himself for the virus during National HIV Testing Week, which runs until Sunday.

Mr Wakeford, who tested negative, used a self-test, which is free, easy and provides a result within just 15 minutes.

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Last year, almost half of HIV diagnoses were classed as late, to the point when damage to the immune system had begun.

Free HIV testing kits are available to order across England during National HIV Testing Week, with the option of a self-test and result within 15 minutes, or self-sampling option where you send a small blood sample to a lab.

The only way to know that you are living with HIV is by getting tested.

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Effective treatment means people can live a long, healthy life with HIV and, once the virus is suppressed, HIV cannot be passed on to partners.

It is estimated that around 4,500 people in England are living with undiagnosed HIV.

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Mr Wakeford said: “It was great to find out for myself how quick, easy and painless testing for HIV is.

“Anyone can be affected by HIV and so I am pleased to raise awareness about the importance of testing.

“Early testing and diagnosis are key to preventing new HIV transmissions.

“I hope that by testing publicly, I’m doing my bit to remove the stigma around HIV testing.”