Health professionals in Cumbria are raising awareness about the increasing HIV infections in specific groups.

This forms part of efforts to eliminate AIDS as a public health threat.

According to the most recent figures, HIV diagnoses in England increased by 22 per cent in 2022.

For the first time in a decade, the number of new HIV diagnoses among ethnic minority heterosexuals (49 per cent) is higher than among gay and bisexual men (45 per cent).

Professor Matt Phillips, deputy medical director and sexual health consultant at North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust, said: "It is concerning that we are now seeing greater health inequalities and higher numbers of infections in ethnic minority groups.

"Today, many scientific advances have been made in HIV treatment and we understand so much more about the condition.

"Testing and treating is the key to ending HIV transmissions.

"Effective treatment helps people to live long, healthy lives with HIV and means they can’t pass the virus on.

"People can also use Pre exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) if they are at higher risk of HIV to protect themselves from catching the virus.

"We are able to offer this in our clinics across Cumbria.”

"We are keen to highlight the variety of different ways that people can now get tested, including free and confidential HIV tests from sexual health clinics, charity testing services, many GP surgeries, pharmacies, or online for self-testing at home."

The Trust has clinics in Carlisle, Workington, Whitehaven, Kendal, and Barrow.

Those that want to attend a sexual health clinic can call the central booking line on 01228 608989, or book using the confidential online booking system.

Rapid HIV testing, which is free and confidential, is also available in some pharmacies, with results given in around 15 minutes.

Professor Phillips was invited to 10 Downing St, London, for a reception to mark World Aids Day on Sunday, December 1.

He attended in his capacity as president of BASHH (British Association for Sexual Health and HIV).

Dignitaries from each area were also invited to sexual health clinics in Barrow, Workington, Kendal, and Carlisle.

On November 28, the Lord Lieutenant Alexander Scott and Deputy Mayor Councillor Jeanette Whalen visited staff at the Solway Clinic in Carlisle to learn more about the services.

World AIDS Day, established in 1988, was the first-ever global health day.

It serves as a chance for people around the world to join in the fight against HIV, show support for people living with HIV, and remember those who have died from an AIDS-related illness.

The collective aim is to have no more HIV infections by 2030.