‘Vast majority of HIV cases have been acquired off-island’

But it was still important for islanders to take precautions, she said.

The number of cases of HIV in the island have risen from 39 to 53 in the last three years.

Some cases of HIV infection have been picked up through the local STI screening programme.

‘[But] Based on our assessment, we think that the vast majority of cases acquired their infection off-island,’ she said.

‘It is really important to promote awareness for both islanders and healthcare professionals on the importance of early diagnosis of infection. This is important because if a person living with HIV manages their condition properly by taking their medicine correctly, they should be able to live a near-normal life.’

She that increased awareness and an early diagnosis was important for individuals, but also from a Public Health perspective.

‘This is because when someone with HIV takes effective treatment it reduces their viral load to undetectable levels,’ she said.

‘This means the level of HIV virus in the blood is so low that it cannot be detected by a test. Having an undetectable viral load for six months or more means it is not possible to pass the virus on during sex. This is called undetectable=untransmittable, which can also be referred to as "treatment as prevention".’

People diagnosed with HIV while in Guernsey are referred to the Orchard Centre, which carries out clinical assessments and partner notifications.

Those diagnosed with HIV are advised to exercise regularly, eat a healthy, balanced diet and stop smoking.

This improves their general health and reduces the risk of falling ill. This forms part of the holistic care on offer.

‘Taking medication is important, as this means that a person living with HIV can remain healthy. It also means that if someone has an undetectable viral load for six months or more, they cannot pass the virus on through sex. Early diagnosis is also important as it reduces healthcare costs.

The UK estimates that 5% of HIV cases are undiagnosed.

The spokeswoman said there was no way to quantify unknown cases.

‘But as far as we are aware, when offered an HIV test, it is uncommon for people in the Bailiwick to decline this,’ she said.

‘HIV testing is also part of the national antenatal screening programme for infectious diseases, which we follow in the Bailiwick and is offered to anyone who is pregnant. This is a national offer as treatment in pregnancy greatly reduces the chance of passing on HIV to a baby from 1 in four to less than three in 1,000.’

Screening for sexually transmitted infections is available through the Orchard Centre, Choices and primary care. There are also outreach services offered to maximise testing opportunities.