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    Sex infections on the rise in the UK

    Posted on 23/11/2007

    The rate of infection of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the UK increased in 2006, according to a new report from the Health Protection Agency (HPA).

    Figures in the Testing Times report estimate that 73,000 adults are currently living with HIV in the UK. The report also shows a 2.4% rise in STIs in 2006, with a total of 376,508 new infections diagnosed.

    Young people aged 16-24 made up the bulk of cases, with increased numbers contracting the herpes and warts viruses. Transmission of HIV and other STIs was also shown to be particularly prevalent in gay men.

    Head of HIV surveillance at the HPA, Dr Valerie Delpech said: 'In recent years we have seen steady increases in all sexually transmitted infections (STI), including HIV, in gay men.'

    She added: 'Since 2003, the number of HIV diagnoses reported annually has consistently increased and exceeded the annual number of diagnoses throughout the 1980s and 1990s.'

    Nick Partridge, chief executive of Terrence Higgins Trust said: 'It's clear the UK is lagging behind in the fight against HIV – the numbers of new infections here are going up though globally they are falling.

    'We need to refocus on HIV in the UK and reinvest in prevention, rather than stand by and watch the spiralling costs of treatment as ever more people test HIV positive.'



    Category: Health


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