Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2002. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
BBC News - Wednesday, 27 November, 2002
According to Department of Health figures, just over a third of those infected in Northern Ireland have developed AIDS.
Seventy-seven sufferers have died.
In the Irish Republic it is believed 2,802 are infected with HIV.
The annual regional sexual health conference being held for health and social care professionals in Newcastle will also be told that a growing number of heterosexuals are contracting the virus.
Doctors, nurses, social workers and representatives of the voluntary sector are expected to attend.
Conference organiser Miriam Karp from the North and West Belfast Trust said the conference's aim was to keep everyone focussed on "the growing threat to everyone's health" from HIV, AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.
She said: "These diseases are still on the increase and have the ability to strike people of all ages and from every social background.
"No-one should be complacent about the real dangers they present."
Prevention
The conference will discuss a range of topics including reducing the risk of disease among prostitutes in Northern Ireland and the problems of nursing prisoners with HIV or drug addiction in the Irish Republic.
Delegates will also consider ways of preventing teenage pregnancy, promoting sexual health awareness among young people and developing sex education in schools.
The event is being held to mark World Aids Day.
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