Based on data collated so far, the Health Protection Agency has estimated that approximately 7,750 people were diagnosed with HIV in the UK during 2005.   Increases continue predominantly in men who have sex with men and African people.

Nick Partridge, Chief Executive of Terrence Higgins Trust said "More people were diagnosed with HIV in 2005 than in any year since the epidemic began.  So we’re delighted that the Government has today named sexual health as one of its seven key health priorities.  Now we’re urging Primary Care Trusts to follow its lead, giving frontline sexual health services the attention, funding and resources they so desperately need.” 

Ends 

Notes to editors

Terrence Higgins Trust is the UK’s leading HIV and sexual health charity, providing a wide range of services for over 60,000 people a year.  The charity also campaigns and lobbies for greater political and public understanding of the personal, social and medical impact of HIV and sexual health.