10% Rise In Number Of NI People Living With HIV

The number of people living with HIV in Northern has increased by 10%, according to new figures.

809 people were diagnosed with HIV last year compared to 783 in 2013.

The 'HIV surveillance in Northern Ireland 2015' report published by the Public Health Agency (PHA) also shows 94 new cases of HIV were diagnosed in Northern Ireland in 2014.

HIV/AIDS is a viral infection caused by type 1 and type 2 HIV retroviruses and can be transmitted through sexual contact, sharing of HIV-contaminated needles and syringes, and transmission from mother to child before, during, or shortly after birth.

Although prevalence in Northern Ireland remains lower than in the rest of the UK, the percentage increase in annual new diagnoses in Northern Ireland between 2000 and 2014 is highest of the UK countries.

Dr Neil Irvine, Consultant in Public Health with the PHA, said: "The PHA is using World AIDS Day to raise awareness about HIV and urge people to practice safer sex. Many people could be infected with HIV without knowing it, so it is important to take steps to help protect yourself and reduce the spread of the infection.

"Statistics show that 51% of new HIV diagnoses were made at a late stage. If you’ve put yourself at risk it is really important to get tested for HIV to ensure an early diagnosis. People respond better to treatment when they are diagnosed at an earlier stage of disease."

(CD)