HIV is a priority in the South West

26 November 2010

The importance of preventing HIV and identifying it early continues to be a priority for the NHS as countries across the globe mark World Aids Day on December 1.

Latest figures from the Health Protection Agency show that in the South West nearly one third of all newly diagnosed cases of HIV were diagnosed late in the course of the disease. This means there is a greater risk of spreading the infection and the illness is harder to manage.

In the South West 2,804 people were living in the region with the disease and accessing NHS care, according to information for 2009 collected by the Health Protection Agency. Nearly half of these were men who have sex with men and out of the total number 69 per cent were white and 23 per cent Black African. 

In 2009, 315 people in the South West were newly diagnosed with HIV, 31 per cent were found to be diagnosed late, after the stage at which treatment should have started.

Late diagnosis of HIV is indicated by a blood count which shows the effect that the disease has already had on someone's immune system. 

Regional Director of Public Health Dr Gabriel Scally said:

"HIV and Aids continue to have a devastating impact on millions of people across the globe. The UK has put considerable effort into preventing the disease and stopping its spread but there is still a great deal more to be done to support people to protect themselves from the disease and care for those infected.

"It is very important that people use condoms with new partners or if they have more than one partner and are proactive about seeking testing and treatment with anti-retroviral drugs if they are at risk of having been infected.

"Recent research evidence indicates that early identification can help to prevent the spread of the disease and ensure the illness is better managed with improved outcomes for those infected.

"The NHS has an important part to play in offering testing for HIV in a range of settings to support people to take up that offer. In the South West there is real geographic variation in HIV occurrence and it is important that people in more rural areas have the same access to the services they need as those in urban areas.

"The Office for Sexual Health in the South West is working with Primary Care Trusts to increase the availability of opportunistic testing for those who could be at greatest risk."

Dr Isabel Oliver, South West Regional Director, Health Protection Agency said:

"Although HIV is less prevalent in the South West and we have seen our figures of newly diagnosed cases stabilise in line with the UK decline, our regional data highlights that a significant number of newly diagnosed cases in the South West are diagnosed late.

"Therefore, it is very important that people at risk get tested regularly. Early diagnosis can lead to healthier outcomes and significantly help reduce the transmission of the infection. Several studies have also shown that after receiving a diagnosis, people are more likely to change their sexual behaviour such as using condoms etc.

"As well as widespread access to HIV testing, the Health Protection Agency recommends opportunistic testing, which Primary Care Trusts in the region are working towards. We also advise that people at a higher risk of HIV - such as men who have sex with men and black Africans living in this country test annually for HIV.

"Even a negative result can give people the opportunity to change their behaviour and receive information and advice. It is crucial to remember that using a condom with all new or casual sexual partners is the best way to prevent sexually transmitted infections, including HIV."

"HIV is no longer a death sentence, through anti-retroviral treatments and universal access to health care, HIV can be a manageable illness. However, anti-retroviral treatments are not a cure and have to be taken every day for the rest of a person's life, it is important to remember that the safest way to protect yourself is by using a condom."

Last reviewed: 29 November 2010