The recorded rate of HIV infection in Redbridge is nearly twice the national average, according to a new report.

Public Health England say 2.7 in every 1,000 people in the borough has been diagnosed with the virus, compared to a 1.5 nationally.

However the report, published as part of National HIV Testing Week, also shows Redbridge has the eighth lowest number of people diagnosed with HIV in London, with 485 knowingly living with virus.

HIV Charity Positive East will be at The Exchange shopping centre in Ilford on Saturday to provide more information along with Redbridge Rainbow, a forum for the homosexual and bisexual community, and the Refugee & Migrant Forum Of East London (RAMFEL).

Testing will take place at Redbridge CVS, on Clements Road in Ilford from 10am.

Mark Santos, director of Positive East, said: “Redbridge has some of the highest rates of late diagnosis of HIV in London.

“Knowing your HIV status can save your life and protect your partner’s. Treatments available are free and most effective before the virus has weakened your immune system. Getting an HIV test couldn’t be easier.”

HIV testing is available in Redbridge at Loxford Polyclinic, Ilford Lane, on Wednesdays between 4pm and 7pm.

A quarter of the estimated 98,000 people living with HIV in the UK are still unaware they have the virus, and Africans and gay men continue to be the groups most at risk.