To ask the Minister of Health to detail (i) the number of people diagnosed with (a) HIV; and (b) AIDS, in each of the last five years, broken down by constituency; and (ii) the treatment and support available to those patients.

The latest available figures for Northern Ireland are at: https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/sites/default/files/2020-12/HIV%20%20Report%202020%20tables%20and%20charts%20(2019%20data).pdf. This information is not available broken down by constituency. The number of people diagnosed with AIDS each year is small, usually under 5 per year, and cannot be released at anything under a Northern Ireland level to protect patient confidentiality.

In the 1980s and early 90s, most people with HIV were eventually diagnosed with AIDS. Now, thanks to modern antiretroviral treatment, very few people in the UK develop serious HIV-related illnesses.

Other treatments available include PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV) (sometimes called PEPSE), this is a combination of HIV drugs that can stop the virus taking hold. It can be used after the event if a person has been at risk of HIV transmission. To work, PEP must be taken within 72 hours (three days), and ideally should be taken within 24 hours. PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is currently available to high risk groups and is a drug taken by HIV-negative people before and after sex that reduces the risk of getting HIV.

There is wide ranging support available to those living with HIV from the statutory, community and voluntary sector. The PHA and the HSCB through the BHSCT provide regional HIV training sessions for all HSC staff. This aims to improve knowledge and raise awareness of HIV, including the impact of prejudice, stigma and support services available for people living with or affected by HIV. Positive Life, the only dedicated HIV support charity in Northern Ireland supporting Persons Living with HIV, receives funding from my Department, and the PHA to provide support services. The Rainbow Project, which also provides help, advice, and free, confidential & non-judgemental rapid HIV testing at its Belfast and Foyle centres, also receives funding from my Department and the PHA.