Menu
21/02/2013
One In Five New Cases Of HIV Are Men Over 45
Doctors are reinforcing the safe sex message after it was revealed men in Northern Ireland over the age of 45 make up 20% of new cases of HIV.
Dr Carol Emerson, a consultant specialising in sexual health at the Royal Victoria Hospital, told the BBC that the outreach clinics in gay venues, such as the Kremlin, are essential.
"I'm really passionate about reaching people and ensuring they get HIV testing and full sexual health advice," she told the broadcaster.
"Some people find it a step too far to come to a GUM (sexual health) clinic and some people really regard confidentiality as the holy grail and bringing the clinic out has increased testing, increased knowledge and increased diagnoses.
"We are seeing a range of people over 45 testing for different reasons and it may be that they've had a stable relationship for a period of time and that has broken down and now they've found a new lease of life and they've picked up a new infection and that's not just HIV - it's the whole spectrum of sexual health," she said.
John O'Doherty, Director of The Rainbow Project, which lobbies for gay, lesbian and transgender rights, noted his concerns over HIV increase in older men.
He told the website: "We're dealing with a community which spent a large part of their adult years being a criminal based on their sexual orientation.
"So the new freedom and openness and visibility of our community has provided a lot more opportunities for relationships and to meet new people, so it does put them at increased risk."
(GK)
Dr Carol Emerson, a consultant specialising in sexual health at the Royal Victoria Hospital, told the BBC that the outreach clinics in gay venues, such as the Kremlin, are essential.
"I'm really passionate about reaching people and ensuring they get HIV testing and full sexual health advice," she told the broadcaster.
"Some people find it a step too far to come to a GUM (sexual health) clinic and some people really regard confidentiality as the holy grail and bringing the clinic out has increased testing, increased knowledge and increased diagnoses.
"We are seeing a range of people over 45 testing for different reasons and it may be that they've had a stable relationship for a period of time and that has broken down and now they've found a new lease of life and they've picked up a new infection and that's not just HIV - it's the whole spectrum of sexual health," she said.
John O'Doherty, Director of The Rainbow Project, which lobbies for gay, lesbian and transgender rights, noted his concerns over HIV increase in older men.
He told the website: "We're dealing with a community which spent a large part of their adult years being a criminal based on their sexual orientation.
"So the new freedom and openness and visibility of our community has provided a lot more opportunities for relationships and to meet new people, so it does put them at increased risk."
(GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
29 November 2012
NI HIV Numbers Rise 10%
The number of people living with HIV in Northern Ireland has risen by 10%. A report by the Public Health Agency (PHA) found 522 are living with the infection in Northern Ireland, an increase of 10% since 2010. The number of newly-diagnosed people with HIV rose by 3%, from 80 in 2010 to 82 in 2011.
NI HIV Numbers Rise 10%
The number of people living with HIV in Northern Ireland has risen by 10%. A report by the Public Health Agency (PHA) found 522 are living with the infection in Northern Ireland, an increase of 10% since 2010. The number of newly-diagnosed people with HIV rose by 3%, from 80 in 2010 to 82 in 2011.
16 February 2022
New Legislation To Strengthen NI Sexual Offence Laws
New legislation to strengthen existing law and introduce new offences to tackle sexual offending in Northern Ireland is to be considered during the Assembly.
New Legislation To Strengthen NI Sexual Offence Laws
New legislation to strengthen existing law and introduce new offences to tackle sexual offending in Northern Ireland is to be considered during the Assembly.
29 April 2022
fonaCAB Announces Partnership With Positive Life
fonaCAB has announced a partnership with Ireland's only dedicated HIV charity, Positive Life to help eradicate HIV related stigma in Northern Ireland. This comes at a time when Positive Life is launching a new £500k sustainability project called the 'Northern Ireland Buyers Club'.
fonaCAB Announces Partnership With Positive Life
fonaCAB has announced a partnership with Ireland's only dedicated HIV charity, Positive Life to help eradicate HIV related stigma in Northern Ireland. This comes at a time when Positive Life is launching a new £500k sustainability project called the 'Northern Ireland Buyers Club'.
01 December 2009
HIV Cases Rising Across Ireland
The often deadly Aids infection knowns no geographical and political boundaries as the number of new cases of HIV - which leads to Aids - in both Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic are rocketing.
HIV Cases Rising Across Ireland
The often deadly Aids infection knowns no geographical and political boundaries as the number of new cases of HIV - which leads to Aids - in both Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic are rocketing.
28 November 2018
84 New HIV Cases Diagnosed In NI Last Year
Over 80 new cases of HIV were diagnosed in Northern Ireland last year, according to a new report by the Public Health Agency (PHA). A total of 1,073 people in the region are now living with the condition. The HIV surveillance in Northern Ireland 2018 study shows that 84 of these cases were diagnosed in 2017.
84 New HIV Cases Diagnosed In NI Last Year
Over 80 new cases of HIV were diagnosed in Northern Ireland last year, according to a new report by the Public Health Agency (PHA). A total of 1,073 people in the region are now living with the condition. The HIV surveillance in Northern Ireland 2018 study shows that 84 of these cases were diagnosed in 2017.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy day with a little light rain or drizzle at times, but some spells of drier weather too. The north coast may become somewhat brighter later this afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Cloudy and patchy light rain will slowly clear away this evening. Then the rest of the night will be dry with broken cloud. Westerly winds freshening in the early hours. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
