Media - 2007 press releases

NEW FIGURES REVEAL RECORD LEVELS OF HIV DIAGNOSIS IN THE UK

National AIDS Trust says the UK will have 100,000 people living with HIV by 2010 Failure of investment in HIV prevention and education is putting thousands at risk

The latest figures released today from the Health Protection Agency reveal that the numbers of people living with HIV in the UK are increasing. 7,800 people were newly diagnosed last year, and the numbers living with HIV in the UK were over 73,000 by the end of 2006. One in three people do not know they are infected. If rates continue the National AIDS Trust says that by 2010 there will be 100,000 people living with HIV in the UK.

Heterosexual infections in the UK on the rise

The findings show diagnoses of heterosexuals infected in the UK are increasing. The number of heterosexuals diagnosed who were infected in the UK has risen by 50 per cent since 2003. 750 heterosexuals diagnosed last year were infected here in the UK.

Highest ever new diagnoses amongst gay and bisexual men

Gay and bisexual men also show record rates of HIV, with the 2,700 new diagnoses in 2006 the highest number ever. Across the UK 1 in 20 gay and bisexual men are now living with HIV, with an estimate of around one in ten in London.

The increase in diagnoses comes at a time when funding for HIV prevention is clearly inadequate. In the past 10 years the number of people being seen for HIV care has more than trebled, whilst a recent National AIDS Trust survey1 into Primary Care Trusts revealed the amount spent on HIV prevention over the same period has decreased.

Deborah Jack, Chief Executive of the National AIDS Trust, commented;
"For over ten years the Government and health services have been failing to bring HIV in the UK under control. Funding for prevention and testing must be increased and the Government must make informed policy commitments to control the epidemic.

Whilst global figures show some countries are making progress, the UK is consistently failing. Gordon Brown needs to match his commitment to tackling HIV internationally with real action at home."

The report also reveals worrying findings among young people. Young people aged 16 to 24 years old accounted for over 1 in 10 (11 per cent) of new HIV diagnoses last year.

Deborah Jack, Chief Executive of the National AIDS Trust, continues;

"It is clear that as infections among young people increase, we need to review our prevention messages and invest in education and awareness. Only with a concerted effort can we address ignorance and complacency among young people. "

1 - The National AIDS Trust survey was conducted in conjunction with HPA. The full report is available to download from: http://www.nat.org.uk/page/5778

Notes to the Editor:

HPA Figures at a glance

The key findings from 2006 are:

• 73,000 people are living with HIV in the UK
• 1 in 3 of people living with HIV do not know they are infected
• Since 2003, there has been a 50 per cent increase of diagnosis among heterosexuals who were infected here in the UK
• 1 in 20 gay and bisexual men are now living with HIV
• Young people (aged 16 - 24) accounted for 11 per cent of new HIV diagnoses
• People aged 55 and over account for 1 in 13 people accessing care for HIV

To download the Testing Times Report in full visit:
http://www.hpa.org.uk/infections/topics_az/hiv_and_sti/publications/AnnualReport/default.htm.

National AIDS Trust

The National AIDS Trust (NAT) is the UK's leading independent policy and campaigning voice on HIV and AIDS. It aims to prevent the spread of HIV, encourage early diagnosis, ensure people living with HIV have access to treatment and care, and eradicate HIV-related stigma and discrimination. www.nat.org.uk

World AIDS Day

1 December 2007 marks the 20th World AIDS Day. The UK theme is Understanding Through Communication and aims to encourage people to get talking about HIV, find out the facts and share their knowledge and experiences.

Full details of this year's campaign and events are available at www.worldaidsday.org