Pop-up testing and information clinics for HIV, the precursor condition to AIDS, are coming to Blackburn with Darwen this week.

They aim to reduce the numbers of undiagnosed people and those diagnosed late with HIV.

The visits are part of National HIV Testing Week which runs until Sunday.

The pop ups will be run by teams from sexual health service Renaissance UK as part of Healthier Living in Lancashire and Blackburn with Darwen.

The clinics are on:

  • Tuesday, February 6, at Blackburn College, offering an information and testing event with colleagues from Brook Sexual Health Charity;
  • Wednesday, February 7, at Blackburn Rovers' Ewood Park Football Ground as part of a 'Health Drop In' from 10am to 4pm;
  • Thursday, February 8, at Darwen Leisure Centre from 9.30am to 5.30pm where free testing, information and advice will be on offer.

A Blackburn with Darwen Council spokesperson said: "The only way to know if you have acquired HIV, is by having a test.

"People living with HIV, diagnosed early and on effective treatment, can live as well as any other person.

"Effective medication can also mean that the person becomes ‘undetectable’, which means they cannot pass on the virus to anyone else.

"People in Blackburn with Darwen can call their sexual health service at Brook on 01254 268700, or visit the website sexualhealthblackburn.co.uk.

"They can order a freepostal testing kit, if a resident in Blackburn with Darwen, from SH:24 by visiting sh24.org.uk.

"They can also speak their GP Practice, or Health Centre, about HIV testing, or contact Sexual Health Practitioners at Renaissance UK for more information ren-uk.com."