Data published today by the UK's Health Protection Agency shows that in 2008, an estimated 2,760 men who have sex with men (MSM) were newly diagnosed with HIV. This is 6% fewer than in 2007.  The fall is not due to a lack of testing - more people tested for the virus in 2008.

Despite fewer new diagnoses, record numbers of MSM are living with HIV in the UK, over 24,000 are diagnosed and almost 9,000 are undiagnosed.

In response to these statistics, Nick Partridge, Chief Executive, Terrence Higgins Trust said, "The level of undiagnosed HIV in the country is completely unacceptable. With early diagnosis and effective treatment, most people with HIV can live to old age. If left undiagnosed, they will die earlier, be significantly more ill and more likely to infect others. HIV testing is easy, quick and saves lives. Every sexually active gay man should get tested. There should be more testing offered in more settings and we need the political will to make this happen."

Terrence Higgins Trust is calling on the Government to introduce a national targeted screening programme to halve undiagnosed HIV in the UK by 2014. 

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