Hiv

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To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will make a statement on the anonymised programme of HIV surveillance in Northern Ireland, setting out for each survey currently in operation or planned (a) the location, (b) the targeted populations, (c) the clinical reasons for initial collection of specimens, (d) the number of specimen collection venues, (e) the annual specimen numbers, (f) the most recent prevalence data, (g) whether the consent of those tested was sought for entry into the survey and (h) whether those tested were informed that they were to be entered into the survey. [81615]

(a) and (d) The anonymised programme of HIV surveillance in Northern Ireland is carried out exclusively at the Genito-urinary Medicine Clinic, Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast.

(b) The targeted population is all new attendees at the clinic.

(c) Genito-urinary clinic attendees have a syphilis serology test or presenting with a new sexually transmitted disease for the first time in a calender quarter are eligible for entry into the survey.

(c) and (f) The data requested are set out in the table.

(g) and (h) The programme of unlinked anonymous testing for HIV as introduced in the UK in accordance with World Health Organisation guidelines for its global programme on AIDS on the basis that specific informed consent is not required. However, attendees are given an explanatory leaflet which makes it clear that all identification will be removed from the sample and they can elect not to have their sample tested. Posters explaining the position are also displayed in the clinic.

Sexual orientation	1995		1996		1997
	No	%+ve	No	%+ve	No	%+ve
Homo/Bisexual (Male)	137	2·92	125	4·80	144	4·17
Heterosexual (Male)	1,921	0·05	1,973	0·10	2,108	0·09
Heterosexual (Female)	1,677	0·00	1,833	0·05	1,707	0·06

Volume 330: debated on Monday 26 April 1999