Dreaded Virus On the Rise – AGAIN?!

Stethoscope and tablet on desk, doctor using laptop.

(TheLastPatriotNews.com) – An alarming rise in HIV diagnoses among heterosexual men and women in England, soaring over 30% in just two years, threatens the nation’s ambitious goal of eliminating new HIV cases by 2030.

With minority groups seeing a staggering 45% increase, the road to eradication has become more challenging than ever before, according to reports.

HIV diagnoses among heterosexual men rose by 36%, while women saw a 30% increase.

This sharp rise, particularly among ethnic minority heterosexuals, has drawn attention to the inequities in testing and treatment access.

Testing rates have not achieved pre-pandemic levels, contributing to late diagnoses and transmission.

HIV testing in sexual health clinics increased for gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) by 34% since 2019, but dropped for heterosexual men by 10% and for heterosexual and bisexual women by 22%.

“This data shows we have much more work to do and brings to light concerning inequalities in access to tests and treatments. I will be working across government to ensure that we work to stop HIV transmissions for good,” said UK Minister for Public Health and Prevention Andrew Gwynne in a statement.

The total number of HIV diagnoses in England increased by 15% from 2,451 in 2022 to 2,810 in 2023.

Notably, for the first time in a decade, new HIV diagnoses among heterosexuals surpassed those in gay and bisexual men, marking a significant demographic shift.

Contributing factors might include better testing availability in healthcare settings and delays in reporting overseas diagnoses.

The UK aims to eradicate new HIV cases by 2030, necessitating extensive testing and prompt treatment.

The HIV Action Plan targets early detection and continuous treatment support to prevent transmission..

“It is clear that more action is needed to curb new HIV transmissions, particularly among heterosexuals and ethnic minority groups. Addressing these widening inequalities, ramping up testing, improving access to PrEP and getting people started on HIV treatment earlier will all be crucial to achieving this,” commented Dr Tamara Djuretic, Co-Head of HIV at UKHSA.

The incredible advancements in modern HIV treatment mean 98% of those diagnosed in England are receiving treatment, with similar numbers achieving viral suppression.

However, the awareness and access disparities necessitate strategic policy intervention to ensure no community is left behind.

Effective measures, like increasing awareness of PrEP and boosting public health outreach, are crucial to meet the 2030 deadline.

“PrEP is a brilliant intervention that’s highly effective at protecting against HIV,” said Ian Green, Chief Executive at Terrence Higgins Trust.

With 51% of 2023’s diagnosed cases originating abroad, there is also a need for better follow-up and integration into care systems in England.

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