THE National AIDS Trust (NAT) is urging Bradford Council to tackle “chronically-high levels” of late-diagnosed HIV in the city.

In Bradford, 54 per cent of people are diagnosed late – meaning they will have had HIV for at least four years. The UK average is 42 per cent. Late diagnosis can mean a decreased life expectancy, worse health and a greater chance of passing the virus on.

Chief executive of NAT Deborah Gold said: “Bradford Council is responsible for ensuring its residents have the information they need about HIV risk and testing. We know that up to 80 per cent of people get HIV from someone who doesn’t know they have it. Making sure people have access to HIV tests in GP surgeries, accident and emergency departments and community settings not only helps individuals but prevents further HIV transmission.”