385 new HIV cases over five year period

385 new cases of HIV were reported in Northern Ireland between 2007 and 2011.

Health Minister Edwin Poots said measures to stop the spread of the HIV virus were being taken forward by the multi-agency Sexual Health Improvement Network.

The network is chaired by the Public Health Agency (PHA), which supports the actions in the Department of Health’s Sexual Health Promotion Strategy.

Mr Poots said that between 2007 and 2011 there were 385 new cases.

The Minister stated: “Actions include: raising public awareness of preventative measures to reduce the risk of HIV; provision of community based and outreach preventative programmes, particularly for those most at risk; training in HIV awareness; provision of testing services coupled with information on safe sex practices at Genitourinary Medicine Clinics; and the offer of a HIV screening test for all pregnant women.

“In addition, my Department core funds a number of voluntary organisations that provide ongoing education and support in relation to HIV/AIDS and sexual health matters.”