Ceremonies held in Brighton and Hove to mark World Aids Day yesterday served as a poignant reminder of all those who have died from the virus.

As well as remembering those who are no longer with us, the event is a reminder that Aids has not gone away and the risks of contracting the virus still exist.

Brighton and Hove has one of the highest infection rates in the country. But the actual number of people with the virus is believed to be even higher, as a quarter of people don’t know they have it.

This is why health officials and charities are constantly urging people in at-risk communities to get themselves tested for the virus because the earlier they start treatment, the more effective the drug can be. And the less likely that others are inadvertently infected.