Rising HIV Diagnoses Prompt Urgent Call for Awareness in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland’s only dedicated HIV charity, Positive Life, has raised alarms about declining awareness of HIV among the public. Recent statistics from the Department of Health reveal there were 101 new diagnoses of HIV in Northern Ireland in 2024, contributing to a total of 1,439 individuals currently living with the virus. With December 1 approaching, marking World AIDS Day, the charity warns that this trend threatens efforts aimed at eliminating new HIV transmissions by 2030.

The charity’s concerns are underscored by a survey indicating a significant drop in awareness, particularly among younger demographics. Alarmingly, 20% of individuals aged 16 to 34 reported they had not heard of HIV. Despite advancements in treatment and prevention over the past four decades, fewer than one in three people understand that effective medication allows individuals with HIV to live without the risk of transmitting the virus.

Jacquie Richardson, Chief Executive of Positive Life, expressed her concerns about the growing lack of knowledge. She stated, “Awareness is going backwards at the very time when accurate information is most needed. Right now, a growing number of people do not have the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their sexual health.” Richardson highlighted the troubling misconception among some young people who believe they can treat HIV like other sexually transmitted infections by simply taking antibiotics.

The stigma surrounding HIV remains a barrier to accessing testing and healthcare support in Northern Ireland. Richardson pointed out that outdated perceptions persist, including the notion that HIV predominantly affects gay men. In fact, the fastest-growing demographic of new diagnoses includes heterosexual individuals, particularly middle-aged women who may neglect the importance of protecting themselves from sexually transmitted infections.

Although Northern Ireland has relatively low numbers of new diagnoses, Richardson expressed frustration over the lack of proactive measures to eliminate HIV in the region. She noted, “The fact that around 100 new cases of HIV occur in Northern Ireland means that there are people who, through no fault of their own, are HIV+ and do not know it.” The only way to halt onward transmission is through testing and access to medical treatment.

Richardson is advocating for the Health Minister to implement routine HIV blood testing in hospital emergency departments (EDs), a strategy that has proven effective in other regions of Great Britain for uncovering hidden cases. “It’s the simplest and most common sense way to tackle HIV so it can be wiped out altogether,” she added.

Recently, the Department of Health announced the introduction of a new injectable form of the HIV-prevention drug PrEP, a development welcomed by health advocates. However, Positive Life has urged caution, citing that only 17% of those surveyed were aware of PrEP. This statistic highlights an alarming information gap regarding sexual health options.

“Northern Ireland has a genuine opportunity to be the first region in the UK to reach zero new HIV diagnoses by 2030, but we can only achieve this with a targeted effort,” Richardson emphasized. As World AIDS Day approaches, the charity aims to dispel myths surrounding HIV and encourage individuals to get tested. “Our message is: get tested, know your status and end HIV,” she concluded.

For those seeking support, Positive Life offers free, confidential rapid HIV testing at its Belfast centre and conducts outreach testing across Northern Ireland. More information is available at www.positivelifeni.com or by calling 0800 137437.