bbc.com
More than 1,000 people now live with HIV in Northern Ireland, according to newly released statistics.
Ninety-four people were diagnosed in NI in 2016, according to statistics released by Public Health England.
Of the 94 new cases, 72 were males and 22 females.
Twenty-nine of those newly diagnosed were aged 25-34 and 35 were aged 35-49. Fewer than five people were 65 or over at the time of their diagnosis.
‘Worrying development’
The statistics showed a decrease in new cases in Northern Ireland in 2016 from the previous year.
« It is still a very worrying development that we have surpassed the 1,000 people living with HIV mark, » said Jacquie Richardson, chief executive of charity Positive Life.
« For such a small population we are out of kilter with the rest of the UK and it is time that more is done to address this.
« Poor sexual health is a significant burden on the wellbeing of people living in Northern Ireland. We need to get this number down significantly.
« As many as one in five people with HIV in Northern Ireland are unaware that they have the infection. »