Latest figures show HIV rates among gay men are rising in UK

Almost 7,000 new cases of HIV were diagnosed in 2007, with almost a third of these diagnoses among gay men, new statistics have revealed.

Figures from the Health Protection Agency (HPA) show that about 6,840 new HIV diagnoses were reported in 2007.

There was no evidence of a fall in the high rate of HIV transmission among gay men in the UK.

Last year was the third successive year that new diagnoses among gay men have risen above 2,600 - the highest levels since records began.

Heterosexual transmission of HIV is also now said to be "firmly established" in the UK, with about 700 diagnoses for each year since 2004.

Healthcare professionals say the figures show a need for improved awareness of safe sex practices. Latest figures show HIV rates among gay men are rising
InTheNews.co.uk, UK -