Ananova reports that the number of people living with HIV in the UK increased 20% last year, but doesn't indicate whether or not this is the result of a greater number of infections, or improved health care.
Overall, the number of people living with HIV in the UK went up from 41,700 in 2001 to 49,500 in 2002. ...So heterosexual infections increased over 4 years, but what about the 1-year period between 2001 and 2002?The number of heterosexual cases picked up in the UK increased from 147 in 1998 to 275 in 2002.
Overall, there were 5,711 people newly diagnosed with HIV in the UK in 2002 - expected to rise to 6,400 when all reports for the year are received.
Of these, 3,305 were heterosexually acquired and 1,691 were among gay and bisexual men.
A 20% surge in HIV infections over a single year is huge, and I don't think it can be accounted for as a natural fluctuation. My intuition tells me there are so many more people living with HIV largely because they aren't dying from AIDS, thanks to better health care. I'm sure the number of infections has risen as well, though, simply due to population increase.
It may be that the jump is ther result of more comprehensive testing. If so, a lot more people have been living with HIV than previously realized.
Dave: Good point.
I also thought of another possible factor: immigration. People with HIV may be moving in to get health care, which would increase the absolute number of infected people.
As i think the above mention figure show that we want to take a serious steps to control HIV not only in UK but also all over the world.
Of course the cause of increasing HIV in the UK the result of a greater number of infections as i think immigration also play a vital role in these processes.
The disease is seen as incurable. However, many of the illnesses resulting from the condition can be treated. Between 5 and 15 years pass from the time of infection until AIDS actually develops. Previously, those infected only lived for a couple of years after developing AIDS. Fortunately, with the new types of treatment available the survival rate has greatly improved.While it occurs on UK too.
I think we need to reflect on the world’s response to an unprecedented tragedy, that is of coursed HIV/Aids are robbing communities and nations of their greatest asset to their people.