Data published today by the UK's Health Protection Agency shows that in 2008, an estimated 83,000 people were living with HIV in the UK. This is an eight percent increase on 2007 and means that there are more people living with HIV in the UK than ever before. Some 27% of this total remain undiagnosed and have HIV without knowing it. There are now over 22, 000 people in the UK with undiagnosed HIV.

In response to the new data, Sir Nick Partridge, Chief Executive, Terrence Higgins Trust said:

“The level of undiagnosed HIV in the country is completely unacceptable. With early diagnosis and effective treatment, most people with HIV can live to old age. If left undiagnosed, they will die earlier, be significantly more ill and more likely to infect others. HIV testing is easy, quick and saves lives. There should be more testing in more settings, and we need the political will to make this happen."

Terrence Higgins Trust is calling on the Government to introduce a national targeted screening programme to halve undiagnosed HIV in the UK by 2014. 

Nationally:

• Gay men are still the group most likely to acquire HIV in the UK
• 58% of new diagnoses in 2008 were among heterosexuals, two thirds of whom were Black Africans. The majority of these infections were probably acquired abroad.
• In 2008, 27% of all new heterosexual diagnoses were probably acquired in the UK, a figure which has risen steadily. The majority of these diagnoses are likely to be among the Black African community.

Ends

Notes to Editors

 
1. Terrence Higgins Trust is the UK’s leading HIV and sexual health charity with centres across England, Scotland and Wales. We're here to provide information and advice about HIV and sexual health and offer a range of services including sexual health checks, counselling and support groups.  We campaign for a world where people with HIV live healthy lives, free from prejudice and discrimination and we promote good sexual health as a right and reality for all. Terrence Higgins Trust relies on donations to deliver a wide range of services. To make a donation, visit www.tht.org.uk