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The number of people living with HIV in the Bailiwick has increased.
There are currently 53 people living with HIV under the care of the Orchard Centre as at March of this year.
The data was revealed at a sexual health conference involving local health professionals on Saturday, organised in partnership by Public Health and Choices – the contraceptive and sexual health advice provider.
The conference highlighted the importance of early diagnosis and effective management of an HIV infection, as it can revolutionise HIV care and allow people living with HIV to enjoy healthy lives. Testing should be done in line with national guidelines, it was suggested.
Data on local trends in STIs was also presented at the conference, with comparisons made to rates in England. The rates of Syphilis, Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea were shown to be lower locally, with some fluctuation year-to-year due to the low numbers of infections detected.
The number of Chlamydia infections diagnosed in 2020 and 2021 decreased, which was possibly due to fewer people seeking out services during the pandemic.
Very pleased to be participating in the contraceptive and sexual health update this morning. This is a joint initiative by Public Health Service’s Orchard Centre and our key community partner, Choices. pic.twitter.com/w0QCI1M1UL
— Nicola Brink MBE (@DrNicolaBrink) April 1, 2023
Dr. Nicola Brink, Director of Public Health, emphasised the challenge of providing safe, effective, and equitable services in a geographically remote location to support people living with HIV in the Bailiwick.
She stressed the importance of monitoring local trends in all sexually transmitted infections and responding to changing needs to provide flexible services accordingly.
“However, it is important to acknowledge that whilst testing for sexually transmitted infections is important, we also need to focus on the other pillars of good sexual health, for example, promoting healthy and resilient relationships, and the prevention of sexual violence,” Dr Brink added.
“As such, I was very pleased that delegates were able to hear about plans for the Sexual Health Referral Centre (SARC) and an update on the new Sexual Health Offences Law.”
Fiona Hardy, the Manager of Choices and co-organiser of the conference, stated that continuous professional development is essential to ensure practitioners provide up-to-date treatment and advice. She was delighted that 85 people registered to share their experiences and knowledge.
The conference highlighted the importance of partnership working across the island to provide high-quality services to islanders.
Delegates were also updated on the contraception service, which is free for islanders aged 21 or under. The service is an essential part of promoting sexual health and preventing unplanned pregnancies.
Dr Dayan Vijeratnam, a UK HIV consultant, Marc Davies, a senior prosecutor, Charlie Cox, SARC Project Manager, and Dr Lucy Joslin, GP Clinical-lead at Choices also spoke to delegates.
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