A DUNDEE MSP last night warned that new figures showing a rise in HIV cases across the country must act as a wake-up call to everyone in Scotland.

SNP health spokeswoman Shona Robison is concerned that the public has become too complacent about the continuing threat posed by HIV and AIDS since the high-profile campaign of the 1980s.

HIV cases have increased in Scotland from 174 in 2001 to 1417 last year, according to new figures. The number of people with HIV known to be in clinical care has also soared—up from 1394 in 2001 to 2177 in 2005.

In Tayside last year there were 183 HIV sufferers in clinical care and 98 in Fife.

The figures were given in a Scottish Parliament written answer to Dundee East MSP Shona Robison who asked a series of questions after being contacted by Scotland’s longest-surviving man with HIV.

“He was raising concerns about a rise in HIV cases across Scotland, service provision and how patchy it is, which generated a whole host of questions,” said Ms Robison.

“I think the thing that struck me is that we have a rise in Scotland, which is reflected locally.

“This may be at least in part because of a measure of complacency.

“I think we need to redouble our efforts in terms of getting the message across.

“The high-profile television advertising of the issue in the 1980s was pretty hard hitting.

“But over time the warning has diminished and people think it’s not as big a threat as it used to be.

“The rise in cases is a wake-up call,” she added.

“It can happen to anyone and people need to be very conscious of that.”

Increased testing, particularly at local clinics, is considered to be the main explanation for the increase in new diagnoses.

However, the numbers of HIV-infected people who go on to develop full-blown AIDS throughout the UK have fallen since the introduction of effective therapies almost a decade ago.

Ms Robison asked Health Minister Andy Kerr what support is given to people with HIV/AIDS in each city and what measures it has taken to educate people about the illness.

“Health Protection Scotland (HPS) is responsible for monitoring the diagnosis, clinical investigation and treatment of all HIV infected persons in Scotland,” said Mr Kerr.

“HPS data indicate that all diagnosed persons have access to HIV specialist care, including the most up-to-date laboratory tests and, if appropriate, the most comprehensive range of anti-retroviral therapies to prevent HIV disease progression.

“No inequities in service provision, in the context of geographical area of residence, sexual orientation, injecting drug use status, ethnicity and country of origin, are evident.

He added, “NHS boards are delivering education through their locally-appointed health promotion managers and drug action teams.

“In addition, NHS Health Scotland is working with key stakeholders to support positive sexual health in the workplace in relation to HIV status.”

HIV is on the increase throughout the UK, with an estimated 58,300 sufferers.