A Builth Wells HIV campaigner has said he is "thrilled and honoured" after being named an OBE in the New Years Honours List.

Ian Green, chief executive of leading HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust, has received an OBE for services to charity and public health in the New Year Honours

Mr Green has been living with HIV since 1996 and leading Terrence Higgins Trust since 2016. During this time he has successfully campaigned for the availability of HIV prevention drug PrEP on the NHS and seen the charity launch the first of its kind postal HIV testing programme to ensure finding out your HIV status is as quick and easy as possible

Mr Green said he was very proud to have been recognised for his work.

“I’m thrilled and honoured to receive an OBE in recognition of my work in charity and public health,” said Mr Green.

“As someone living with HIV, my work is much more than just ‘a job’ and I have gladly invested time, energy and passion in order to drive the change for those affected by HIV and poor sexual health."

Under Mr Green’s leadership, the charity became the first third sector organisation in the world to publicly endorse the message that people living with HIV and on effective treatment can’t pass it on (known as U=U). This is a stigma-busting message which has the power to transform perceptions of HIV.

However, it was announced earlier that Mr Green would be stepping down after his very successful tenure.

“Later this year, I will step down from my role at Terrence Higgins Trust and this honour has made me realised how much has been achieved,” said Mr Green.

“I would like to thank and share this with everyone who I have worked closely with over the years as we look ahead at all that’s still to do.”