A
recent article in The Lancet by T. Kirby and M. Thornber-Dunwell,
pointed to a 21% raise in HIV rates in London between 2011-2012, and
suggested it might be even higher by the end of the year. The article
also details anecdotal evidence from London drug and alcohol clinics
that suggests a link between recreational drug use amongst gay
men,risky sexual behaviour and this rise in HIV.
Delpech,
Head of HIV surveillance in Public Health England (PHE), did state
that this is a “concerning rise” but qualified the analysis of
the statistic, by clarifying that “the good news is that increased
HIV testing in recent years accounts for some of this rise..”
This
is especially desirable as it's estimated that about a third of
people with HIV are unaware that they have the infection. Those with
HIV need early detection as early treatment has great benefits, and
obviously knowing you have the infection means you can do something
about preventing spreading it. The statistic quoted of a 21% rise in
diagnosis doesn't make clear what part of this percentage comes from
this increased testing. So we don't yet know what HIV was already out
there, and if this is just us mainly finding out a truer rate of
infection.
No
one, of course, should be complacent about such a life changing
diagnosis, and if risky behaviour is adding to infection rates, it's
something that needs serious study. Indeed V Delpech states that
“PHE, in collaboration with London clinics, is initiating enhanced
surveillance amongst gay men likely to have acquired their infection
in the 6 months before diagnosis, to explore this issue.” So this
is a concern that those working with HIV are already taking
seriously.
As
with any group, there are many different individuals and cultures in
the gay community, just as it is in the heterosexual one. There may
well be sub cultures in the gay community that are all about high
risk behaviours (as there are elsewhere) and HIV rates may well
spike in all such groups. It's important to know what is actually
happening, so you can offer the best advice and protection.
We
must always remember these percentages all represent real people, who
have just been diagnosed with HIV, a life changing and serious
moment. They, and everyone around them have to adjust to this
diagnosis and live with it, and all its implications. Anything that
can prevent the spread, whether in the gay or heterosexual community
is to be desired, obviously. Knowledge is one of the primary tools in
that. Where sex is concerned, logic is not always its closest bed
fellow but in bringing sexual health to all communities, it's also
important not to spread panic, because close on its heels often comes
prejudice. And no one wants the rates of that to rise either.
Words by Mairi
Harris
