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01/12/2011
Infections Rise As World Aids Day Marked
World Aids day today has been marked by news locally that the number of new cases of HIV in Northern Ireland has risen by 20% in the last year.
The Public Health Agency (PHA) is marking World Aids Day (Dec 1) by publishing the 'HIV and STI surveillance in Northern Ireland 2011' report, which highlights that the number of new HIV diagnoses in Northern Ireland rose from 66 in 2009 to 79 in 2010.
The report's authors said "it is clear that there is still a challenge to reduce the rates of infection for HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)".
Fifty-three of these new infections occurred in men who have sex with men (MSM), the largest ever annual number for this group recorded in Northern Ireland.
The majority of MSM cases are acquired within the UK, whereas the majority of heterosexual cases are acquired abroad.
This means there are now 474 people living with HIV infection in Northern Ireland, an increase of 12% compared with 2009.
On the issue of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), the report shows that overall diagnoses increased by 6% compared with figures for 2009.
While uncomplicated Chlamydia infections showed a slight decline from 2009 (down by 4%, to 1,832 cases in 2010), diagnoses of the other main infections increased with uncomplicated gonorrhoea increased by 13%; genital herpes simplex (first episode) increased by 18%; genital warts (first episode) increased by 2% and non-specific genital infection increased by 14%;
Dr Neil Irvine, Consultant in Health Protection, Public Health Agency, said: "We want to take the opportunity presented by World AIDS Day to raise awareness about HIV and STIs.
"While young people and MSM are particularly at risk, the safer sex message applies to everyone.
"We know people may be infected with HIV and STIs without having any symptoms, so it is important to protect yourself and to stop the spread of infection to others.
"Use condoms, limit the number of your sexual partners, and get checked at your GP surgery or your local Genito Urinary Medicine (GUM) clinic, if you have put yourself at risk."
Commenting on World Aids Day, the NI Health Minister Edwin Poots took the opportunity to raise everyone's awareness of the condition.
"The HIV virus is ever present and must not be underestimated," he said.
"World Aids Day provides an opportunity to bring the public's attention to the disturbing current lack of knowledge and awareness of HIV infection.
"Today, thanks to improved treatment, people living with HIV remain healthy for longer. There are over 470 people in Northern Ireland receiving HIV-related care and Health and Social Care organisations are working to ensure their services are meeting the needs of patients. Early diagnosis is important, as early treatment and care improves prognosis," he said.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Michael McBride said: "Whilst we have a relatively low prevalence of HIV, we cannot be complacent about such increases in diagnoses.
"We need to reinforce HIV prevention messages and raise awareness and understanding of the impact of HIV and Aids for individuals and communities.
"Many people living with HIV continue to suffer ill-informed prejudice and discrimination, often causing social exclusion and poor quality of life. We must ensure that those affected are cared for and supported."
(BMcC/GK)
The Public Health Agency (PHA) is marking World Aids Day (Dec 1) by publishing the 'HIV and STI surveillance in Northern Ireland 2011' report, which highlights that the number of new HIV diagnoses in Northern Ireland rose from 66 in 2009 to 79 in 2010.
The report's authors said "it is clear that there is still a challenge to reduce the rates of infection for HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)".
Fifty-three of these new infections occurred in men who have sex with men (MSM), the largest ever annual number for this group recorded in Northern Ireland.
The majority of MSM cases are acquired within the UK, whereas the majority of heterosexual cases are acquired abroad.
This means there are now 474 people living with HIV infection in Northern Ireland, an increase of 12% compared with 2009.
On the issue of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), the report shows that overall diagnoses increased by 6% compared with figures for 2009.
While uncomplicated Chlamydia infections showed a slight decline from 2009 (down by 4%, to 1,832 cases in 2010), diagnoses of the other main infections increased with uncomplicated gonorrhoea increased by 13%; genital herpes simplex (first episode) increased by 18%; genital warts (first episode) increased by 2% and non-specific genital infection increased by 14%;
Dr Neil Irvine, Consultant in Health Protection, Public Health Agency, said: "We want to take the opportunity presented by World AIDS Day to raise awareness about HIV and STIs.
"While young people and MSM are particularly at risk, the safer sex message applies to everyone.
"We know people may be infected with HIV and STIs without having any symptoms, so it is important to protect yourself and to stop the spread of infection to others.
"Use condoms, limit the number of your sexual partners, and get checked at your GP surgery or your local Genito Urinary Medicine (GUM) clinic, if you have put yourself at risk."
Commenting on World Aids Day, the NI Health Minister Edwin Poots took the opportunity to raise everyone's awareness of the condition.
"The HIV virus is ever present and must not be underestimated," he said.
"World Aids Day provides an opportunity to bring the public's attention to the disturbing current lack of knowledge and awareness of HIV infection.
"Today, thanks to improved treatment, people living with HIV remain healthy for longer. There are over 470 people in Northern Ireland receiving HIV-related care and Health and Social Care organisations are working to ensure their services are meeting the needs of patients. Early diagnosis is important, as early treatment and care improves prognosis," he said.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Michael McBride said: "Whilst we have a relatively low prevalence of HIV, we cannot be complacent about such increases in diagnoses.
"We need to reinforce HIV prevention messages and raise awareness and understanding of the impact of HIV and Aids for individuals and communities.
"Many people living with HIV continue to suffer ill-informed prejudice and discrimination, often causing social exclusion and poor quality of life. We must ensure that those affected are cared for and supported."
(BMcC/GK)
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The number of people living with HIV in Northern Ireland has risen by 10%. A report by the Public Health Agency (PHA) found 522 are living with the infection in Northern Ireland, an increase of 10% since 2010. The number of newly-diagnosed people with HIV rose by 3%, from 80 in 2010 to 82 in 2011.
01 December 2009
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The often deadly Aids infection knowns no geographical and political boundaries as the number of new cases of HIV - which leads to Aids - in both Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic are rocketing.
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24 November 2005
HIV infections on the increase
A report into new HIV infections throughout the UK has revealed that there were 63 new cases in Northern Ireland over the past year. The figure, which is an increase of 31 on the previous year, was part of a report launched to coincide with World Aids Day.
HIV infections on the increase
A report into new HIV infections throughout the UK has revealed that there were 63 new cases in Northern Ireland over the past year. The figure, which is an increase of 31 on the previous year, was part of a report launched to coincide with World Aids Day.
01 December 2016
103 New HIV Cases Diagnosed In NI In 2015
Although HIV prevalence in Northern Ireland remains lower than in the other UK countries, the percentage increase in annual new diagnoses in NI between 2005 and 2015 is highest of the UK countries, according to the Public Health Agency (PHA).
103 New HIV Cases Diagnosed In NI In 2015
Although HIV prevalence in Northern Ireland remains lower than in the other UK countries, the percentage increase in annual new diagnoses in NI between 2005 and 2015 is highest of the UK countries, according to the Public Health Agency (PHA).
01 December 2010
Upward Trend In AIDS Infections
AIDS and related sexually transmitted infections continue to increase in Northern Ireland. Following a similar trend to that seen elsewhere in the UK and other parts of Europe - the annual number of 'new episodes' of HIV has generally increased since 2001 with the highest ever annual total - of 92 - occurring in 2008.
Upward Trend In AIDS Infections
AIDS and related sexually transmitted infections continue to increase in Northern Ireland. Following a similar trend to that seen elsewhere in the UK and other parts of Europe - the annual number of 'new episodes' of HIV has generally increased since 2001 with the highest ever annual total - of 92 - occurring in 2008.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
