HIV: Record number of cases detected in Northern Ireland in 2015

HIV charity Positive Life said it wants the Northern Ireland Assembly to implement a sexual health strategy to educate people properly

More than 100 cases of HIV were diagnosed in Northern Ireland in 2015, official figures have shown.

The public health authority in England has compiled figures for all the regions in the UK.

It said 81 men and 22 women received diagnoses in Northern Ireland in 2015 - the highest ever number to be recorded in a year.

In Northern Ireland, 934 people are now living with HIV, a rise of nearly 15% compared with the previous year.

'Stigmatising attitudes'

Northern Ireland's HIV charity, Positive Life, is calling on the Stormont assembly to devise a new sexual health education strategy.

The latest figures show a rise of almost 15% in new diagnoses of HIV in Northern Ireland on 2014

The group's chief executive, Jacquie Richardson, described the latest statistics as "alarming".

"Diagnoses are on the rise year-on-year and those living with HIV face hugely stigmatising attitudes," she said.

"We are calling on the assembly to not just to support those living with HIV but also to prioritise for the future by protecting and educating those at risk."

'Workshop'

HIV/AIDS can be transmitted through sexual contact, sharing needles and syringes, and transmission from mother to child before, during, or shortly after birth.

The Health Minister, Michelle O'Neill, said work on "a range of sexual health education programmes, training and interventions" is being delivered by her department.

"A workshop is shortly due to take place with key stakeholders, including service providers, commissioners of sexual health services and voluntary organisations to inform key issues and potential actions," the minister added.

"I have asked officials to keep me informed and I will consider the matter carefully over the coming months before making any decision on the way forward."