An estimated 86,500 people living with HIV in 2009. However, it is feared there are about 22,500 cases were undiagnosed. According to records, 52 per cent of people newly diagnosed in 2009 were diagnosed after the time when treatment is more effective.
"This figure shows that it takes extra effort to ensure more people to be cautious with his HIV status. This will allow faster access to treatment, improve the lives of victims, and reduce the risk of transmission to their partners," explained Dr Paul Cosford, Director of Health Protection Services of the HPA.
Although overall there is decrease in the number of cases diagnosed, Dr Valerie Delpech, of the HPA HIV specialist, also said that there are still many people who are unaware of their HIV status and half were diagnosed late.
It is important to use condoms with sexual partners as this is the best way to prevent sexual transmission of infections, including HIV.
"We must add that it is necessary to use a condom every time. Decrease in new HIV diagnoses last year showed that we could reduce new infections, and it takes a whole community to work together to achieve this," said Sir Nick Partridge, chief executive of Terrence Higgins Trust. HIV testing needs to be done routinely as part of safe sex behavior.
