HIV & AIDS in Northern Ireland
The problem of HIV and AIDS has not diminished since it was brought to the media's attention over two decades ago - it has escalated.
Here in Northern Ireland we are sadly experiencing a growth of drug culture through injecting drugs, therefore increasing risk of contracting
HIV and AIDS. Sadly people are still under the illusion that HIV and AIDS are only issues facing the gay community, yet statistics show HIV
and AIDS is on the increase in both heterosexual men and women in the province.
We believe one of the most important things a person can
have to protect themselves against HIV and AIDS is the right INFORMATION.
home
There's still no cure. AIDS has not gone away. We have to make a
difference by our own actions. Because doing nothing will only make it worse.
Because it's not just about gay men, or drug users, or black African communities. It's about making sure young people know enough about protecting themselves from infection - using condoms - before they start having sex.
Combination therapy has made a massive difference to people living with HIV. But it does have side effects and it does mean having to take the drugs at fixed
times every day to obtain the maximim benefit from them.It may mean making changes to your lifestyle.
But we've come too far to even think about letting AIDS win. Last year saw the lowest number of AIDS deaths in the UK
in over a decade, thanks to the support of people like you. Keep on making a difference.
If you are a person needing advice on HIV related issues, contact:
Pat Knowles (Team Leader of Regional HIV Social Work Team), Social Services Department,
Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, BT12 6BA
Telephone: 028 90240503, ext: 2450 / Fax 028 90245280
Email: socialservicesrghopc@nwb.n-i.nhs.uk
Northern Ireland Statistic
HIV positive persons by 31 Dec 2002 in Northern Ireland: Male-298, Female-56, Total = 353.
Total reports of Aids: Male-120, Female-17, Total = 137.
Total reports of Aids deaths: Male-68, Female-11, Total deaths = 79.
Percentage of how the virus was acquired:
Sexual intercourse: Men-60%, Men and Women-22%, Injecting drugs-6%,
Blood or other-12%.
home top