The HIV epidemic global and UK trends
Delpech, V.
Medicine 41(8): 417-419
2013
ISSN/ISBN: 0025-7974 DOI: 10.1016/j.mpmed.2013.05.005Document Number: 576643
Despite the availability of effective combination antiretroviral therapies (cART) for almost two decades, the growth and evolution of HIV epidemic has been staggering. By the end of 2011, an estimated 34 million people were living with HIV worldwide, with 2.5 million people newly infected in 2011 alone. Poor political will and resourcing, fuelled by stigma and discrimination remain the most important barriers to controlling the epidemic. Nevertheless there have been some success stories in recent years a notably better worldwide access to cART resulting in a decline in AIDS and deaths. Sustained prevention efforts have also led to a decline in new infections in many world regions. These gains have been offset by a rise in new infections in China, India and Eastern Europe. New HIV infections continue disproportionately to affect young women and girls, men who have sex with men (MSM), sex trade workers, people who inject drugs (PWID) and migrants. Prevalence rates of HIV infection among these populations, where data exist, are high, deserving culturally sensitive and targeted interventions. In the UK, persons diagnosed early in the course of their infection can expect a near-normal life expectancy. MSM remain the major group at risk of acquiring HIV in the UK, although UK-acquired infections are also increasing among heterosexual groups. Public efforts must focus on expanding testing and promoting safer sex behaviours.
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