Through Rain Trust’s help I have gained knowledge to stay healthy and now I’m able to help people who were just like me.

Elisabeth Takaedza, Volunteer for Rain Trust

An estimated two-thirds (2,790/4,220) of new diagnoses acquired heterosexually were among black Africans, of whom the majority (87%) acquired their infection abroad, mainly in sub-Saharan Africa.

The number of deaths among HIV-infected people has remained stable over the past decade, and the number of AIDS diagnoses has continued to decline. A total of 525 people (387 men and 138 women) infected with HIV were reported to have died in 2008.

In contrast, among the estimated 2,760 HIV-infected MSM diagnosed in 2008, 83% (2,280) probably acquired their infection in the UK. While prevalence rates in the general population remain low, there has been an increase in new HIV diagnoses among people who acquired their infection heterosexually within the UK from an estimated 740 in 2004 to 1,130 in 2008.

Source: www.hpa.org.uk

There are still substantial challenges ahead that must be faced. These include reducing late diagnosis and continued efforts to reinforce prevention messages. There is also a lot more work to be done on continuing to change people’s perception of the disease and the stigma that is often attached.

HIV in Context

HIV continues to be one of the most important communicable diseases in the UK. Each year, many thousands of individuals are diagnosed with HIV.

Since the media campaigns of the early 1980’s raising awareness of HIV and the surrounding issues there have been major developments in understanding and treatment of the disease.

Anti HIV drugs have been developed that drastically improve the lives of people living with the disease, offering the chance of a longer healthier life.

“When Rain was first founded in 1994 we were often contacted to help people with their funeral arrangements etc. Now we are much more likely to help with the creation of CV’s and providing information on work based training courses. Thanks to the development of treatments into the disease”

Clement Musonda, Executive Director – Rain Trust

The latest Health Protection Agency (HPA 27/11/09) figures relating to 2008

In 2008, there were an estimated 83,000 people living with HIV (both diagnosed and undiagnosed). Over a quarter (27%, 22,400) of people were estimated to be unaware of their HIV infection. This compares to the 77,000 people estimated to be living with HIV in 2007, of whom 28% were estimated to be unaware of their HIV infection.

In 2008, 50% (30,502) of those living with diagnosed HIV were men and women infected via heterosexual sex (11,199 and 19,303 respectively) and 42% (25,569) were men infected through sex between men.

Men who have sex with men (MSM) and black African heterosexuals are the group with the highest HIV prevalence in the UK.

Understanding Health Improvements – Graduation