Record Rise In Scottish HIV Rates

More than 400 people in Scotland contracted HIV last year, World Aids Day organisers have revealed. New cases were up 11% on the previous year – the biggest rise ever seen north of the border, they claimed. The figures also suggested 3,400 people are now living with disease, which can lead to Aids.

Organisers said more cases were found among gay men but there was also a significant rise in heterosexual males and female drug users contracting HIV.

World Aids Day on 1 December aims to unite people worldwide in the fight against HIV and Aids. To mark the event, NHS Lothian is planning to project a giant image of a red ribbon onto the side of the City Chambers in Edinburgh in a bid to raise awareness that HIV is still an issue in the area.

HIV infections among men who have sex with men have increased by 62% in Lothian in the past 5 years.

Lesley Hinds, Edinburgh provost, said: “We can’t afford to be complacent in the fight against HIV and Aids. There are still far too many people being affected by this preventable illness throughout the world. I hope people take notice of the red ribbon on the City Chambers and the message gets through on this World Aids Day.”