Increase in HIV cases in North West

20 November 2009

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) North West today (27 November) revealed that the number of people in the region who have been newly diagnosed with HIV has increased for another year.

There were 925 people newly diagnosed with HIV in 2008- a rise on the 817 cases diagnosed in 2007. Additionally there has been an increase in the number of people with HIV accessing care with 5,472 in 2008 - a rise on the 4,936 people accessing care in 2007.

The regional statistics are being released to coincide with publication today of the HPA's report HIV in the United Kingdom: 2009 and in advance of World Aids Day on 1st December.

Professor Qutub Syed, Director, HPA North West, said: "It is encouraging that more people with HIV infection are seeking treatment and care, but hugely disappointing that we are still seeing an increase in new cases. This would seem to imply that more people are putting themselves and their partners at risk by failing to be careful about their lifestyles.

"We and our partners at Liverpool John Moore's University and elsewhere have tried very hard to get across the message that unprotected sex with new or multiple partners and the sharing of needles by drug users are high risk activities. We must now redouble our efforts to ensure that our advice is reaching vulnerable groups because HIV and other sexually-transmitted infections are avoidable and every new case of AIDS is a tragedy."

Roberto Vivancos, HPA's North West Regional Sexual Health Lead said; "People need to know that testing for HIV and all sexually transmitted infections is both free and confidential at Genitourinary Medicine (GUM) clinics (sexual health clinics) across the UK. If you have had unprotected sex with a new or casual partner and you are concerned, you should go and get tested.

"Although HIV infection is not curable, advancements in treatment mean that many people with the condition are able to lead normal lives. However, the earlier the diagnosis the better the outcome for the patient so early testing really is important."

The national report published today reveals that:

• A third of adults diagnosed with HIV in the UK last year were diagnosed late. In 2008 5,558 adults (15 years and over) were diagnosed with the infection and of those 32% (1,781) were diagnosed after the point at which treatment should have started
• A total of 525 people with HIV died in 2008 and of those more than half (57%) were diagnosed after the point treatment should have started
• The number of people living with HIV in the UK has increased to 83,000 and over a quarter of these people do not know they have the infection.
• In 2008 93% people accepted a HIV test at a GUM clinic, a rise from 77% in 2007.

Ends

Note to editors

HIV in the United Kingdom: 2009 report can be accessed here: - (website link)

For further information visit: www.worldaidscampaign.org

The 925 cases new HIV cases in the North West in 2008 were diagnosed in the following counties:

Cumbria 23 cases
Lancashire 110 cases
Greater Manchester 522 cases
Merseyside 128 cases
Cheshire 71 cases
Unknown 69 cases

In the North West in 2008, an estimated 31% of newly diagnosed individuals acquired their infection heterosexually and were of black African ethnicity (UK average 38%) and 44% (highest proportion after Wales) acquired their infection through sex between men and were of white ethnicity (UK average 33%).

Press release issued by Hugh Lamont, Communications Manager, HPA North West. Tel 0151-482-5728 or 07764-906508.

Last reviewed: 27 November 2009