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 12 May 2008 05:02 BST

Latest figures show HIV rates among gay men are rising

Friday, 28 Mar 2008 17:06
All people are urged to practice sex safe to reduce spread of HIV

Health In Focus 

Almost 7,000 new cases of HIV were diagnosed in 2007, with almost a third of these diagnoses among gay men, new statistics have revealed.

Figures from the Health Protection Agency (HPA) show that about 6,840 new HIV diagnoses were reported in 2007.

There was no evidence of a fall in the high rate of HIV transmission among gay men in the UK.

Last year was the third successive year that new diagnoses among gay men have risen above 2,600 - the highest levels since records began.

Heterosexual transmission of HIV is also now said to be "firmly established" in the UK, with about 700 diagnoses for each year since 2004.

Healthcare professionals say the figures show a need for improved awareness of safe sex practices.

"We need to reinforce the safe sex message for gay men that the best way to protect yourself from contracting HIV is practising safer sex by using a condom with all new and casual partners," said Dr Valerie Delpech, HPA head of HIV surveillance.

"We must also shift the testing culture among gay men, encouraging more frequent testing particularly among individuals at greatest risk, such as those with a high number of sexual partners and men who attend GUM [Genito-Urinary Medicine] services."

Professor Peter Borriello, director of the HPA's Centre for Infections, described the control of HIV transmission as "a major public health challenge".

"We recommend that gay men should test at least annually for HIV," he added.

"Earlier diagnosis of HIV infection will give men access to treatment, improve their survival and reduce the risk of transmission to partners. I urge all gay men to test for HIV regularly."
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