New statistics reveal that the amount of people contracting the HIV virus after unprotected heterosexual contact in Britain, has nearly doubled since 2003. the Health Protection Agency reported that in 2007 as many as 960 new cases were diagnosed, whereas back in 2003 the figure was only 540.
Despite the fact the majority of the 4,260 new infections confirmed in the UK last year were contracted abroad, the high increase of people being infected at home has resulted in one in four of all cases being heterosexual -compared to one in ten in 2003.
A representative from the HPA has revealed however, that most of the heterosexual cases came from the African communities within the UK, after partners have travelled abroad and contracted the virus. “They are quite small numbers and although they were acquired in the UK they are linked with people who have travelled,” he said.
The agency have released statistics highlighting that of the 77,400 HIV positive people living in Britain, over 25 per cent of them - 20,000 people - do not know that they have the virus.
New proposals to improve screening, which were released in September by three Aids charities, have been supported by the HPA. Included in the proposals will be an HIV test for all new patients registering with a GP as well as for those being admitted into hospitals in areas where statistics are more than two cases per 1,000. The worst affected city is invariably London, but other places throughout the UK where rates are high include Luton, Watford, Slough, Brighton, Bournemouth, Eastbourne, Northampton, Nottingham, Blackpool and Manchester.
Head of HIV surveillance, Valerie Delpech, commented, “It is very worrying that so many people are unaware of their HIV status. Wider testing in high-prevalence areas is urgently needed.”
Homosexual men being infected with the disease make up 41 per cent (3,160) of the 7,734 new diagnoses and is also steadily rising. In addition, as much as one third of people did not realise they were infected with HIV until quite late on, which consequently delayed treatment.
Lisa Power of the Terrence Higgins trust said, “Gay men and African people are most likely to have undiagnosed HIV in the UK so we would urge people in these groups in particular to recognise their level of risk and get tested for HIV regularly.”
Chief executive of the National Aids Trust, Deborah Jack, said, “Most worrying is the number of people who should be on HIV treatment but who are not because they are unaware of their infection or because they are opting not to start treatment. People with HIV can expect a good life expectancy if they are diagnosed early and take medication as advised.”
Sandra Gidley, health spokeswoman for the Liberal Democrats, said, “These figures are the legacy of a government which has left sexual health services by the wayside. Ministers must introduce changes recommended by the Independent Advisory Group on Sexual Health and HIV. It is crucial we ensure future generations are not put at risk.”
