Infections Rise As World Aids Day Marked

World Aids day today has been marked by news locally that the number of new cases of HIV in Northern Ireland has risen by 20% in the last year.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is marking World Aids Day (Dec 1) by publishing the 'HIV and STI surveillance in Northern Ireland 2011' report, which highlights that the number of new HIV diagnoses in Northern Ireland rose from 66 in 2009 to 79 in 2010.

The report's authors said "it is clear that there is still a challenge to reduce the rates of infection for HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)".

Fifty-three of these new infections occurred in men who have sex with men (MSM), the largest ever annual number for this group recorded in Northern Ireland.

The majority of MSM cases are acquired within the UK, whereas the majority of heterosexual cases are acquired abroad.

This means there are now 474 people living with HIV infection in Northern Ireland, an increase of 12% compared with 2009.

On the issue of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), the report shows that overall diagnoses increased by 6% compared with figures for 2009.

While uncomplicated Chlamydia infections showed a slight decline from 2009 (down by 4%, to 1,832 cases in 2010), diagnoses of the other main infections increased with uncomplicated gonorrhoea increased by 13%; genital herpes simplex (first episode) increased by 18%; genital warts (first episode) increased by 2% and non-specific genital infection increased by 14%;

Dr Neil Irvine, Consultant in Health Protection, Public Health Agency, said: "We want to take the opportunity presented by World AIDS Day to raise awareness about HIV and STIs.

"While young people and MSM are particularly at risk, the safer sex message applies to everyone.

"We know people may be infected with HIV and STIs without having any symptoms, so it is important to protect yourself and to stop the spread of infection to others.

"Use condoms, limit the number of your sexual partners, and get checked at your GP surgery or your local Genito Urinary Medicine (GUM) clinic, if you have put yourself at risk."

Commenting on World Aids Day, the NI Health Minister Edwin Poots took the opportunity to raise everyone's awareness of the condition.

"The HIV virus is ever present and must not be underestimated," he said.

"World Aids Day provides an opportunity to bring the public's attention to the disturbing current lack of knowledge and awareness of HIV infection.

"Today, thanks to improved treatment, people living with HIV remain healthy for longer. There are over 470 people in Northern Ireland receiving HIV-related care and Health and Social Care organisations are working to ensure their services are meeting the needs of patients. Early diagnosis is important, as early treatment and care improves prognosis," he said.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Michael McBride said: "Whilst we have a relatively low prevalence of HIV, we cannot be complacent about such increases in diagnoses.

"We need to reinforce HIV prevention messages and raise awareness and understanding of the impact of HIV and Aids for individuals and communities.

"Many people living with HIV continue to suffer ill-informed prejudice and discrimination, often causing social exclusion and poor quality of life. We must ensure that those affected are cared for and supported."

(BMcC/GK)