Twice as many men as women have HIV in Kirklees

Dec 1 2009 Huddersfield Daily Examiner

TWICE as many Kirklees men as women have HIV, the latest figures show.

And more cases are contracted from heterosexual relationships than homosexual.

The statistics were revealed as Kirklees health chiefs called for an end to prejudice surrounding the illness.

The plea came ahead of World Aids Day today to raise awareness of the illness and encourage more people to access HIV health services.

Dr Judith Hooper, director of public health for NHS Kirklees and Kirklees Council, said: “It is important to remind ourselves that HIV and AIDS remain a serious health issue in 2009.

“Practising safe sex, using condoms routinely and correctly is the best means of personal protection.

“On a wider scale, reducing stigma and prejudice around HIV and those affected by the condition – in particular homosexual men and African migrants – is the most effective way to slow the rate of new infections.

“Without fear of discrimination, use of HIV prevention services, testing and life saving treatment services would increase.”

Her comments came 25 years after HIV and AIDS first hit the headlines.

Since then, Kirklees cases have soared to more than 200.

The number of men with HIV now outnumbers women two to one. More than half of all cases are from the white population, while 35% come from the black African population.