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Tuesday 1 December 2009 Public Health Agency supports World AIDS Day with safer sex message The Public Health Agency (PHA) today added its support to World AIDS Day, the annual campaign which aims to raise awareness of the disease. This is the 21st anniversary of the event and the theme this year is: HIV: Reality. The reality is that on a global scale, over 33 million people are living with HIV – almost two million of whom are children under age 15. Millions more are affected by the epidemic having lost parents to AIDS.¹ Currently there are over 80,000 people living with HIV in the UK and over a quarter of those people don’t know they are infected with the disease.² Dr Lorraine Doherty, Assistant Director for Public Health (Health Protection) at the PHA, said: “There is no cure for HIV, but treatment can keep the virus under control and the immune system healthy. People on HIV treatment can live an active life, particularly if they have been diagnosed early. More people are living with HIV than ever before due to more effective antiretroviral treatment. World AIDS Day puts the spotlight firmly on the disease and also provides an opportunity to raise awareness about a range of other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), some of which are on the increase in Northern Ireland.” Latest figures from the Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre for Northern Ireland, now part of the Public Health Agency, show that there were 92 HIV diagnoses during 2008 compared to 61 the previous year. Over half (55%) of these were acquired through sex between men and women. Figures also show chlamydia continues to be one of the most common bacterial STIs diagnosed in Genito Urinary Medicine (GUM) Clinics in Northern Ireland, similar to the rest of the UK, accounting for 27% of all new STI diagnoses in 2008. Research also shows 63 diagnoses of syphilis compared to 26 in the previous year.³ Dr Doherty continued: “The symptoms of STIs can vary. However, some infections, such as chlamydia, do not produce symptoms in 50% of men and 70% of women, so you may not even know you are infected. Most STIs are treated easily and painlessly so it is important to get treatment as quickly as possible to stop the infection being passed on to others and causing permanent damage such as infertility. The risk of contracting STIs is much higher than the risk of contracting HIV. In addition, if an STI which causes ulcers, eg herpes or syphilis, is not treated, there is an increased risk of contracting HIV. “If you are sexually active and particularly if you don’t know your partner’s sexual or drug history, you are at risk of catching STIs. For your own peace of mind contact your GP or local Genito Urinary Medicine (GUM) clinic and arrange to have a check-up if you think you may have put yourself at risk. If you do have an STI you should contact anyone you have had sex with to prevent them passing it on to another partner.” The Public Health Agency advises people to use a condom with another form of contraception such as, the pill, injectable contraceptive implants or coils for maximum protection against pregnancy and STIs. The PHA is working actively with partners in both the voluntary and statutory sector to actively promote good sexual health. She concluded: “The message is clear, if in doubt, get checked out immediately. Putting it off because of embarrassment could put your health or even your life at risk. Practising safer sex by always using a condom, limiting your number of partners and having regular check-ups, all help reduce the risk of infection.” - ENDS - Notes to the editor Dr Lorraine Doherty will be available for interview on Tuesday 1 December. Contact the Press Office on the number below to arrange an interview. HIV and STI surveillance in Northern Ireland: 2009 can be downloaded at: http://www.cdscni.org.uk/publications/AnnualReports/pdf/HIVSTIinNorthernIreland2009.pdf For further information contact Public Health Agency Press Office on 028 9031 1611 ¹www.unaids.org/en/KnowledgeCentre/Resources/FeatureStories/archive/2009/20091124_pr_EpiUpdate.as Date accessed: 30 November 2009. ²www. nat.org.uk Date accessed: 30 November 2009. ³ Health Protection Agency and Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre (NI). HIV and STI surveillance in Northern Ireland: 2009. |
