HAVERING has recorded the lowest prevalence of HIV in London, although it is increasing.
Data released by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) shows that 220 people in the borough received HIV-related care in 2011 – an average of 1.6 people per 1,000.
It means the prevalence of HIV in Havering is the lowest of all 33 London boroughs.
But at-risk residents are still being urged to get tested.
A spokesman for Havering Council said: "Here, the number of people who are affected steadily increases. This increase is not restricted to any one group but exists within all areas.
"Havering Council actively seeks to work with people in commissioning the services of the future, recognising the wealth of knowledge people have on how their condition affects them."
London has the highest proportion of HIV in the country with more than 30,000 residents living with a diagnosed infection.
Lambeth has the worst HIV rate in the UK, with more than 3,000 infected – 13.8 people in every 1,000 – and Southwark has the second-worst rate in the country.
Dr Paul Crook, an expert on HIV trends in London for the HPA, said: "We are continuing to see high rates of HIV, which means that this major public health problem is not going away.
"What concerns us most is that, of all Londoners with HIV, an estimated one in five are unaware that they have it, which means they are losing out on life-prolonging treatments and are potentially putting their partners at risk.
"The drugs available nowadays mean that someone with HIV has a near-normal lifespan if diagnosed and treated early.
"Antenatal testing for HIV has been routine for years and now London needs to see much more routine HIV testing in other settings. The offer of an HIV test when you go to see your GP or go to hospital should become standard practice.
"People who are at a higher risk of HIV need to be tested more often.
"Men who have sex with men are advised to get tested at least annually and people from black African and black Caribbean communities should get a test regularly, including on every change of sexual partner.
"Avoiding HIV altogether is an essential cornerstone in controlling this epidemic and our advice to Londoners is to always use a condom before sex with any new or casual partner."