Aids: Learning to fight growing epidemic

Brighton and Hove has the highest rate of HIV infection in the South East outside London.

There are more than 680 people living with HIV in the city and an extra 60 to 70 people testing positive every year.

Most of those newly diagnosed are from the gay community but figures show the number of diagnoses among heterosexuals is also increasing.

In 1999 there were 41 HIV cases diagnosed in Brighton and Hove, 56 in 2000 and 66 in 2001.

There were 63 new cases between January and September this year.

Out of the 41 diagnoses in 1999, eight were heterosexuals, while of the 63 this year, the figure was 23.

In the Brighton and Hove area the HIV prevalence rate among 15 to 44- year-olds is 5.43 per 1,000.

This is higher than large cities such as Manchester, which is 2.03, and only London in the South East is higher, with an average rate of 7.6.

In the rest of East Sussex the rate is 0.32, while in West Sussex it is 0.63.

Support groups and health officials in the city are using World Aids Day to get the message across that the disease has not gone away.

Since the beginning of the Aids epidemic 20 years ago, some 45,000 people have been diagnosed with HIV in the UK.

HIV treatments, while improving health and extending life, do not cure the disease. They also cause severe side-effects and frequently fail.

People living with HIV still have to face very real stigma and prejudice in their everyday lives.

Overall, out of the hundreds of people with HIV/Aids in Brighton and Hove, the vast majority are gay men but campaigns are targeted at the whole community.

There are several organisations that provide practical support, advice and counselling, such as the Sussex Beacon and the Terrence Higgins Trust.

Brighton and Hove City Primary Care Trust (PCT) works closely with these groups and others to educate people.

Perry French, regional manager for the Terrence Higgins Trust South, said: "In just 20 years we have achieved so much in the fight against HIV and Aids. However, the work is far from over. Record numbers of people are being diagnosed and there are now more people living with the virus in the UK than ever before.

"This World Aids Day, take the time to think about your own sexual health and also look at some of your beliefs about HIV. Are you as well informed as you think?

"Demand for our services in Brighton, Eastbourne and Hastings is increasing all the time."

The Terrence Higgins Trust regularly provides support to health promotion campaigns. This can include sending out literature or distributing free condoms at events. It also offers a one-to-one counselling service.

A recent survey by the trust has shown an alarming lack of knowledge about HIV and sexually transmitted diseases in the UK.

One third of 18 to 24-year-olds think there is a cure for HIV and almost a quarter of the population think it can be caught from kissing.

A further one in ten believe HIV can be caught from toilet seats.

Almost half of those questioned agree they know very little or not enough about HIV and almost two-thirds of young people think they have not been given enough information about the risks associated with unprotected sex.

The Brighton and Hove PCT already works with schools in the city to help with sex education.

The PCT has developed a network of nationally renowned support services for people with HIV, covering anti-HIV treatments, nursing care, helping with benefits and housing, peer support and skills development programmes.

Paul Martin, chairman of the Brighton and Hove HIV planning group, said: "Brighton and Hove is seeing a continuing epid- emic among gay men, who make up the majority of new infections. However we are beginning to see a steady climb in the number of infections among heterosexuals.

"Sexual health remains an important issue for everyone in the community and World Aids Day provides us all with an opportunity to reflect on the past and plan for the future."

The actual number of cases is probably much higher as it is believed about a third of people infected do not know they have HIV.

Mr Martin said: "Our message is always that if you have any concerns at all, get yourself tested and you can start getting the course of treatment you need.

"There are plenty of services to help people. As well as those who are newly diagnosed, we also get a certain number of people moving in each year who already know they are HIV positive."

The focus is not just on prevention but also on providing the right support for people already infected.

Schemes have included the introduction of a Patients' Representative for specialist HIV/Aids services in hospitals.

The representative voluntarily spends several hours a week working from the Lawson Unit at Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton and the Elton John Centre at Brighton General Hospital.

They listen to patients' concerns about the service, then speak to the doctors and management teams involved to tackle any problems.

A group of people with HIV have also formed their own arts group, called Xpress Yourself, where they can share their experiences and explore their creative side with others who understand.

Support and advice is available from the Terrence Higgins Trust on 01273 764200 or at www.thtsouth.org.uk