Concern as HIV cases in NI reach record 1,000 mark
Positive Life calls for significant decrease in numbers
Last updated 30th Nov 2017
More than 1,000 men and women are now living with HIV in Northern Ireland, it emerged today.
Ahead of World Aids Day tomorrow, new statistics show that in 2016 94 cases (72 men and 22 women) were diagnosed in the province.
According to Public Health England, of those diagnosed in 2016, 29 people were aged 25-34 and 35 were aged 35-49. Less than five were aged 65 or over at the time of their diagnosis.
For the first time, this now brings to over 1,000 the number of people living with HIV in Northern Ireland.
Positive Life charity chief executive Jacquie Richardson said: "The latest figures show a decrease in new cases of HIV in Northern Ireland in 2016 from the previous year, but it is still a very worrying development that we have surpassed the 1,000 people living with HIV mark.”
"For such a small population we are out of kilter with the rest of the UK and it is time that more is done to address this.
“Poor sexual health is a significant burden on the well-being of people living in Northern Ireland. We need to get this number down significantly.”
She added: "As many as one in five with HIV in Northern Ireland are unaware that they have the infection “There should be no embarrassment or shame in getting a HIV test if a person feels that they are at risk.
"The stigma that is associated with HIV is so negative that is it a contributing factor as to why the numbers are so high. We need to address and overcome this ‘Northern Ireland effect’ so that many more can take control of their own sexual health.