A new HIV testing service being launched today - aims to reduce the stigma associated with the condition.

The Gay and Lesbian Equality Network - says figures for 2015 - show that the rate of detections of the virus increased again last year.

The new rapid testing service will be community based and available in non-clinical settings.

Policy Director for GLEN Tiernan Brady has said the new service aims to encourage people to get tested: “What we have tried to do is look forward with the truth that is most people do not look forward to getting a HIV test.

“So how do we provide tests that are accessible to people, convenient, non-judgemental.

“Making it as easy as possible to get a test and as undaunting as possible so we can destigmatise the process.