The Health Promotion Board (HPB) is implementing for the first time, a month-long campaign to encourage more at-risk individuals to go for regular HIV screening.

Last year, new HIV cases were diagnosed too late - half of the patients were in the late stages of infection when they were told they had the disease.

Although there is no known cure for HIV infection, early treatment can help to delay the onset of AIDS and improve the quality of life.

This allows a person infected with HIV to continue to live a relatively healthy and normal life.

At risk individuals - those who have unprotected sex with multiple partners and needle abusers - can get their status checked at clinics islandwide.

Rapid HIV testing is also offered at many of these clinics.

Anonymous testing is available also available at the following clinics: Action For AIDS Anonymous HIV Testing & Counselling Clinic, Anteh Dispensary, Cambridge Clinic, Dr Jay Medical Centre, Dr Soh Family Clinic, M Lam Clinic and Robertson Medical Practice.

Those wanting to find out more about their HIV status can visit whatsmyrisk.sg.

To kick-off the campaign, HPB will open a 2-nights-only "pub" booth around Clarke Quay jetty area and send hosts roving to engage the public in playing "The Risk Factor" challenge, a new and unconventional game aiming to raise HIV awareness.