53,000 adults living with HIV/AIDS in the UK

There are now 53,000 adults living with HIV/AIDS in the UK, over a quarter of whom (14,300) remain unaware of their infection according to the Health Protection Agency's annual report on HIV.

Dr Kevin Fenton, a co-author of the report commented: “World AIDS Day is time to reflect on how HIV/AIDS is an increasing problem in the UK, as in the rest of the world. There were 6,606 new infections diagnosed in the UK during 2003, 58% (3801) of these were amongst heterosexuals, with gay and bisexual men accounting for 26% (1735).

”This increase in the number of newly diagnosed infections is the result of a combination of factors, but is largely contributed to by the migration of people from areas of the world where there is a high prevalence of HIV, such as sub-Saharan Africa. The number of new infections diagnosed in gay and bisexual men is expected to be the highest for over 10 years, with 1,735 diagnoses reported so far for 2003. In addition, the number of heterosexual HIV diagnoses likely to have been acquired in this country has increased from 139 in 1998 to 341 in 2003.

”The theme of our report is “Focus on Prevention”, as prevention is key in reducing the burden of HIV and other STIs. The Agency is involved in a number of activities, which help to prevent infections:

• In England, the antenatal HIV screening programme has led to about 90% of HIV-infected pregnant women being diagnosed prior to giving birth, this reduces the chance of a baby being born with HIV;

• Eighty-five percent (5598/6553) of hepatitis B-susceptible gay men who attended genito-urinary medicine (GUM) clinics in England have received the first dose of a three dose vaccination;

• Results from the National Chlamydia Screening Programme show that just over 10% of people screened in healthcare settings outside of GUM clinics were infected with chlamydia, and highlights the benefits of testing people who have no symptoms, therefore enabling their infections to be treated. The Government's White Paper announced last week that this screening programme would be extended across the whole of England by March 2007.

”These schemes are just one part of the crucial three-pronged approach to prevention, which involves sexual health education, opportunities to screen those with no symptoms, and early diagnosis and treatment of those infected. It is vital that such prevention measures are targeted at those groups most at risk from HIV and STIs, including gay men, black and ethnic minorities, and young people.

Commenting on the report, Sir William Stewart, Chairman of the Agency said: “This report shows that the Health Protection Agency has a major contribution to make to the initiatives outlined in the Government's Public Health White Paper. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential if we are to control the spread of infections. These can have devastating consequences for people's health and fertility if left unchecked and untreated.”

Professor Pat Troop, Chief Executive of the Agency said, “The excellent sexual health services that we have in this country are under increasing pressure as they continue to respond to the growing number of people being diagnosed with these infections. We carried out a survey looking at waiting times in GUM clinics which showed that only just over a third of patients are seen at clinics within the first 48 hours of seeking an appointment – if people are to receive early diagnosis and treatment these waiting times need to be reduced and the Agency welcomes the Government's pledge in its White Paper to ensure that by 2008 everyone referred to a clinic will be seen within 2 days.

”Each HIV infection prevented can save between £500,000 and £1million in treatment and lost productivity, and can also save the significant social costs placed upon those who become infected. If prevention efforts are to be scaled up to tackle these epidemics then sustained funding is required so that sexual health prevention can be made a priority locally within the NHS.”

Professor Troop concluded, “People can play their own part in prevention by ensuring they take steps to protect themselves from HIV and other STIs by practising safer sex with all new and casual partners. Anyone who thinks they have put themselves at risk of contracting an infection should go to a clinic for testing, particularly as some infections can have no symptoms.”

http://www.hpa.org.uk