GenQ - For the not so straight individual

Figures released yesterday in an AIDS publication reveal that the number of older gay men living in the Netherlands with AIDS is increasing. Also rising, is the figure of the number of gay men that visit sexual health clinics and refuse to be tested.

The increase has once again sparked speculation of a second "epidemic" in the Netherlands, after it was found that figures in similar categories increased in the period from 1991 to 2001.

The figures are contrary to worldwide figures on AIDS, with numbers remaining steady in similar categories in the United Kingdom, United States and Australia.

Statistics also revealed that gay men under the age of 35 in the Netherlands with HIV are remaining relatively steady; with the difference being "not statistically significant".

Researchers into the findings have suggested that further initiatives should be implemented to decrease the number of older men being diagnosed with HIV, and advised that gay men that regularly attend sexual health clinics should be tested frequently.