NAT comments on UNAIDS 2009 Epidemic Upate

The UNAIDS 2009 AIDS Epidemic Update, released today, shows new HIV infections down by 17 per cent over the last 8 years around the world.

Deborah Jack, Chief Executive of NAT (National AIDS Trust), comments:

“The downward trend in new infections is a testament to the work of the international HIV community.  It’s the result of the roll-out of treatment and increased investment in prevention initiatives. 

However today’s report shows there are gaps in prevention programmes that meet the needs of key groups, such as over 25s and gay men.  We need to get smarter about HIV prevention and also sustain efforts to find new tools such as microbicides and a vaccine, if we are to seriously reduce new infections.

Worryingly, the global decrease in new infections is not being seen in the UK.  Here new diagnoses have trebled in the past ten years.  HIV diagnoses among men who have sex with men in the UK rose by 74 per cent between 2000 and 2007.  The UK needs to re-prioritise HIV prevention among gay men, otherwise we risk falling further behind.”

Notes to the Editor:

The UNAIDS 2009 AIDS Epidemic Update can be downloaded at:
http://www.unaids.org/en/

For further information please contact: 
Katherine Sladden
Communications Officer
NAT
020 7814 6733 
press@nat.org.uk

NAT 
NAT (National AIDS Trust) is the UK’s leading charity dedicated to transforming society’s response to HIV. We provide fresh thinking, expert advice and practical resources. We campaign for change.
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