Labour MP Lloyd Russell-Moyle has “done everybody a service” by disclosing his HIV status, a charity has said.

Revealing that he is the only current sitting MP with the virus “does a lot to normalise HIV in the public’s mind”, said Ian Green, chief executive of the sexual health charity the Terrance Higgins Trust.

He said when public figures talk about their views or experiences with HIV, it “does a huge amount” to tackle the stigma associated with the virus.

He also praised the Duke of Sussex, who has done much work with HIV and Aids charities.

Earlier this month, Harry called for HIV testing to be seen as “completely normal and accessible” in a video marking National HIV Testing Week.

The prince said people should not be ashamed or embarrassed about taking a test, and instead should treat it in the same way as people protect against “viruses like cold and flu”.

Mr Green said: “When Prince Harry publicly speaks about taking an HIV test, or last week helped us launch HIV testing week, or when he talks publicly about HIV being nothing to be feared, that does a huge amount to tackle the stigma associated with HIV.

“When public figures talk about their own views or experiences that goes a long way to deal with the issue.”

On Mr Russell-Moyle, he added: “I think he’s done everybody a service about talking about his own personal journey with HIV.

“I have had a couple of conversations with him and he’s aware that because he’s a Member of Parliament there is going to be a spotlight on him talking about his HIV diagnosis.

“I think it will go a long way to say that he’s very successful, he’s a Member of Parliament, he has no issue in terms of representing his constituency as somebody living with HIV. So that does a lot to normalise HIV in the public’s mind.

“I think he has taken a very important decision for him, and from talking to him I know the reason he wants to do this is because he wants to tackle the stigma associated with HIV head on.”

The Terrance Higgins Trust is running a “Zero HIV” campaign to mark World Aids Day, with the aim of ending new cases of HIV and eliminating stigma surrounding the illness.

Commenting on the announcement, Deborah Gold, chief executive of National Aids Trust, said: “Although no one is obliged to be open about their status, and it isn’t always an easy decision, the same stigma that makes it hard to say you have HIV is a stigma that is gradually eroded by people being open and proud.

“HIV, as Lloyd shows us, is no longer a death sentence and for most it no longer even significantly compromises their health.

“It is a manageable condition; illness and the risk of passing it on to others can be completely averted with simple daily medication.

“These simple messages can be a powerful antidote to HIV stigma.

“As the first MP to disclose their HIV status in the House, Lloyd has taken a big step and we absolutely applaud him.”