HIV continues to rise across North-West

CASES of HIV have increased across the North-West, according to a new report.

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) revealed that the number of new cases in the region has increased for another year.

There were 925 new cases in the North-West in 2008 — a rise on the 817 diagnosed in 2007.

More than half of those, a total of 522, were diagnosed in Greater Manchester.

There has also been an increase in the number of HIV sufferers accessing care in the North-West with 5,472 in 2008 — an increase on the 4,936 accessing care in 2007.

The regional statistics were released to co-incide with World Aids Day, which is today, and the publication of the HPA’s report “HIV in the United Kingdom: 2009”.

Professor Qutub Syed, director of the HPA North- West, said: “It is encouraging that more people with the HIV infection are seeking treatment and care, but hugely disappointing that we are still seeing an increase in new cases.

“We must now redouble our efforts to ensure that our advice is reaching vulnerable groups because HIV and other sexually-transmitted infections are avoidable.

“Every new case of AIDS is a tragedy.”

Roberto Vivancos, HPA’s North-West regional sexual health expert, said: “People need to know that testing for HIV and all sexually transmitted infections is both free and confidential at 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.”

For more information visit the website at www.worldaidscampaign.org