HIV cases soar in Wales

The number of people needing HIV care in Wales has increased by 16 per cent in one year!

The shock figures reveal the HIV epidemic is getting worse in Wales and Swansea-based medics have confirmed they are now treating hundreds of patients.

Last year a total of 884 people needed HIV care in Wales which was a 16 per cent increase on the year before. Now, more than 200 people in Swansea are living with HIV or AIDS.

The number of people living with the virus has soared particularly among gay men and African people.

A medical Director in Swansea, John Calvert said there was also a spike in the number of heterosexuals with the virus.

“People must be aware that this is a very real danger to them and the consequences are life changing” he said.

More than 70,000 people are living with HIV in Britain, and the number of people aged between 16 and 24 being treated for HIV nationwide almost trebled between 1996 and 2005.

Rob John, national manager of sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust in Wales added: “Despite our best efforts and those hard-pressed clinics, the HIV epidemic in Wales is getting worse.”

“We need more investment in HIV prevention, more HIV testing in local communities and stronger national direction.

This is a real test for the government and local health services – and one we can’t afford to fail.”

Source: pink paper 20 December 2007