Brent HIV Explosion Shocking - Teather
March 9, 2007 12:01 AM
Sarah Teather has called on Brent's Health Trust to think again on massive cuts to advice services
Sarah Teather, local MP for Brent East, has expressed her shock at figures revealed by the Liberal Democrats which show a dramatic increase in HIV infections in Brent.
HIV infection rates have been steadily rising for the last 4 years. In 2002, 571 Brent residents were diagnosed with HIV. In 2005 this figure rose to 1,339, representing a huge 134% increase.
The shocking rise in HIV infection in Brent comes at a time when Brent's PCT are planning to cut services such as school nurses, pregnancy and sexual health advice, and drugs advice. These services are all play a vital role in giving people the essential information they need to protect themselves from HIV.
The Liberal Democrats are urging the government to put together a plan of action to combat this massive increase. Sarah has frequently urged the government to take sexual health education seriously, and is demanding that the tPCT now recognise the urgent need for advice services in Brent.
Local Liberal Democrat MP for Brent East Sarah Teather said:
"These figures are extremely worrying and reveal a dangerous trend. We must act now if we are to protect more people in our community from HIV, which can have a devastating impact on people's lives.
"It is frankly terrifying that Brent's tPCT are planning to cut preventative services such as school nurses, sexual health and drugs advice. All these services are essential in giving people in Brent the information they need to stay safe.
"Health education in schools should be a top priority. Too often children learn about sexual health through playground gossip. The government must realise that preventing the rising tide of infections would save the NHS millions and, more importantly, would save lives.
"These figures are too serious to ignore. The Government and the tPCT must promise to think again about slashing preventative health services."
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