Increase in incidence of HIV

The number of people being treated for HIV in the North West region reached 6,332 in 2010 according to Health Protection Agency (HPA) figures published today (Tuesday) ahead of World AIDS Day on 1 December.

The HPA’s annual ‘HIV in the UK’ report reveals that the North West has the 2nd largest number of people accessing HIV care behind London with an increase of 6.4% from 5.950 people in 2009. The 40 – 44 year old group is the age group with the most people accessing care (1,233).

The report confirms that men who have sex with men remain the group most at risk of acquiring HIV infection in the UK, with this group accounting for 50% of people accessing care in the NW (3,186 out of 6,332).

Dr. Roberto Vivancos, HPA North West’s sexual health lead, said: “HIV is avoidable. It’s important for people to practise safer sex for their own protection and out of respect for their partner. This is especially important advice for people in new relationships and for anyone who has casual sex.”

Dr Valerie Delpech, Consultant Epidemiologist and Head of HIV Surveillance at the HPA, said: “HIV is an infection that nowadays can be treated and those diagnosed promptly can expect to experience similar life expectancy to an individual without the infection. However, we are very concerned that a large number of people in the UK are unaware of their HIV status and are diagnosed late.

“We want to see increased access to HIV testing in clinical settings, with tests being offered to new registrants at GPs and hospital general admissions in areas of the country where rates of HIV infection are high. We are also urging sexual health clinics to ensure that HIV testing is offered as part of a universal sexual health screen at every new attendance.