Compiled
and edited
by Martin Flynn
£1/2 million per person
page 5 of 8
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Each person who becomes HIV positive costs the country at least £1/2
million, according to Terrence Higgins Trust Chief Executive Nick Partridge.
400 HIV positive people have responded to the national consultation on
the new Sexual Health and HIV Strategy, and over three-quarters say they
have experienced some form of prejudice or discrimination since diagnosis.
Health service staff were a common source of this discrimination, he said,
but the largest source was from strangers and then friends or even family.
The survey, organised by the UK Coalition of People living with HIV and
Aids (UKC) and THT, was carried out by questionnaires in Positive Nation
and public meetings around the country.
Many said discrimination experienced from an early age was a reason for
them becoming HIV positive whilst others called on the government to tackle
homophobic discrimination, such as Section 28, if prevention campaigns
are to have any success.
Most people had little faith in their GP. More than 60 per cent of people
said they wouldn't use a GP for STI and HIV testing and treatments.
Stephen Bitti, UKC Chief Executive, said: "It is now more important
than ever that we educate GPs about the issues of living with HIV and
Aids."
