HIV rate hits a new high, but true figure could be even greater

THE number of people living with HIV here has reached its highest ever level.

A total of 81 men and 22 women were diagnosed last year.

It brings the number of people known to be living with the virus to 934 — the most on record.

But the true figure is thought to be much higher, and it is estimated that hundreds do not know they have HIV.

Obtained by Detail Data, the figures also show that of those living in Northern Ireland with HIV, 38% are thought to have been infected through sex between men, with 38% probably through heterosexual contact.

Less than 1% are thought to have been infected through injecting drug use.

Jacquie Richardson, chief ex- ecutive of the Northern Irish HIV charity Positive Life described the statistics as concerning.

“The fact that 103 more people have been diagnosed with HIV is very worrying and strengthens the argument that we need a new strategy,” she said.

“We need to raise awareness and encourage people to look after their own sexual health.”

The charity is calling for the Assembly to deliver a new sexual health promotion strategy and public information campaign.

Ms Richardson added: “Positive Life is calling for and lobbying hard for a sexual health strategy because without it, we don’t see any investment and we think it’s really, really important that money is put into education, so young people know how to look after themselves and know how to take charge of their own sexual health.”

One of the biggest challenges, she said, is to address the stigma associated with the virus.

“They (sufferers) don’t share the fact that they are living with this life-changing condition and that has an ongoing impact on their mental health and their ability to just be and to live fulfilled lives,” she said.

HIV sufferer Stuart, who was diagnosed eight years ago, said the stigma associated with the virus meant he did not tell people for five years.

“It even got to the stage where I stopped answering the phone in the house,” he added.

“I know that might seem like a silly thing, but when you feel like you can’t talk about the biggest thing in your life, which is that you’ve just been diagnosed with a chronic condition, you feel like you can’t talk to anyone about anything.”