The HPA (Health Protection Agency) has released statistics for HIV infection, diagnosis and care for the South East.

The HPA states that there are more people living with HIV on the South East Coast than ever before. At the end of 2008 there were likely to be around 5,400 people living with HIV in the region. 27% of these people were undiagnosed.

New diagnoses In 2008: 455 people were newly diagnosed with HIV on the South East Coast. Between 2007 and 2008, numbers of new diagnoses on the South East Coast decreased by 1%. This compares to a UK-wide decrease of around 3%.

The HPA estimates that 38% of those who were newly diagnosed in 2008 on the South East Coast were white gay men. This compares to an average of 33% of new diagnoses across the UK.

According to HPA estimates, 35% of those who were newly diagnosed in 2008 on the South East Coast were black African heterosexuals. This compares to a UK average of 38%.

People aged between 30 and 39 were the age group most likely to be diagnosed with HIV on the South East Coast in 2008. This group are the most commonly diagnosed across the UK.

People accessing HIV care: At the end of 2008, there were 3,939 people accessing HIV care in the region. This is an 8% increase from 2007 and an 81% increase from 2003.

At the end of 2008, 54% of those needing HIV care on the South East Coast were gay men. This is the highest proportion of gay men accessing care in England. Between 2007 and 2008, there was a 6% increase in numbers of gay men accessing HIV care. Between 2003 and 2008 this increase was 70%.

HIV is now affecting older people on the South East Coast. At the end of 2008, 22% of those accessing care in the region were over 50 years old. A further 15% were aged between 45 and 49.

For more information view: 
www.hpa.org.uk