Most adults are sexually active and good sexual health is important to individuals and communities. When there is poor sexual health this can lead to unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)1 define sexual health as a state of physical, emotional, mental and social wellbeing in relation to sexuality. Most people become sexually active between the ages of 16 and 24 years.
Whilst there is currently no cure for HIV, with appropriate management, effective social care and support systems, along with taking prescribed medication, regular exercise and preventing infections, those who are living with HIV are able to live a reasonably full and healthy life.
Epidemiology
Epidemiology is the study of how often diseases occur in different groups of people and why.2 Epidemiological data can be used to plan and evaluate strategies that can then help to prevent illness and assist in the care, support and management of those in whom disease such as HIV has developed.
The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) set the 90–90–90 targets for HIV–AIDS treatment and prevention in 2014 aiming to achieve all three by 2020.3 The latest estimates for undiagnosed HIV infections indicate that the UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets have been met in the UK overall.4
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