New figures published today by the UK Health Security Agency show 119 new HIV diagnoses in the Wales in 2023 – a 16% increase on last year.
The statistics also show:
- The majority of new HIV diagnoses were amongst heterosexuals with 62% believed to have occurred as a result of sex between men and women.
- Diagnoses have decreased by 15% since 2019 among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men in Wales.
- Unacceptable rates of late diagnosis – 31% of people with HIV were still diagnosed late, when HIV has already begun to damage a person’s immune system.
The Welsh Government last year published its HIV Action Plan, with the aim of ending new cases of HIV by 2030 and tackling HIV stigma in Wales. The plan runs from 2023 to 2026, and today’s figures are the first to give any data on that time period.
Richard Angell, Chief Executive at Terrence Higgins Trust, said: ‘The 2030 goal is in jeopardy in Wales without innovation and new resources. The Welsh Government’s own HIV Action Plan highlighted the lack of support services for people living with HIV in Wales. This must be addressed urgently, both to help end the epidemic and ensure people can live well with HIV in Wales.’
