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New figures released at the end of November by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) show there were 3,059 people diagnosed with HIV in London in 2008. This brings the total number of people in London with diagnosed HIV to over 26,900 at the end of last year. This means more than 1 in every 200 people in London are now HIV positive.
Across the UK, 7,298 people were diagnosed, last year. Over 83,000 people were living with HIV at the end of 2008, of whom over a quarter were unaware they had HIV. The two groups most affected remain gay and bisexual men and black African heterosexuals. Three-quarters of people diagnosed were among these two groups. 2,790 new diagnoses were among black African heterosexuals, with an increase in the proportion acquiring their infection within the UK. 2,760 gay and bisexual men were also diagnosed.
Late diagnosis of HIV remains a serious challenge in the UK. Over half (55 per cent) of adults diagnosed were diagnosed after the point at which it is recommended treatment begin. Late diagnosis of HIV can have a serious impact on an individual’s health. 73 per cent of those with HIV who died last year had been diagnosed late. And evidence shows late diagnosis drives HIV transmission, with more than half of new HIV infections caused by people who themselves are unaware of their infection.
New research by HPA and NAT (National AIDS Trust) highlighted in the report estimates it costs between £280,000 and £360,000 to treat and care for someone with HIV over their lifetime. Preventing the infections acquired in the UK, and diagnosed during 2008, would have reduced future HIV-related healthcare costs by £1.1 billion.
Deborah Jack Chief Executive, NAT (National AIDS Trust), comments:
“HIV is one of the most serious health challenges in the capital. It is shocking to think more than 1 in every 200 Londoners have HIV. This means that there are likely to be on average 5 HIV positive people on every rush-hour tube.
In London, more than anywhere else in the UK, it is crucial we have effective HIV prevention programmes. All Londoners need to look after their sexual health, and all Londoners with HIV should be supported and treated with respect.”