Housing problems for HIV patients

People with HIV are missing out on social housing opportunities, new research has suggested.

A study from the National Aids Trust (NAT) has revealed that social housing professionals often lack understanding of HIV and how living conditions can impact patients.

The research was carried out in collaboration with Shelter and suggests that the criteria used to allocate social housing are "out of date" in relation to people living with HIV.

Case studies from the report found examples of how poor housing can have a negative affect on the health of those diagnosed with HIV.

Deborah Jack, chief executive of NAT, suggested that HIV "should be on the housing agenda".

"We are not suggesting people with HIV should come at the top of the housing list but housing officials must understand HIV and its effect on people's lives," she added. "Often even simple changes can make a big difference to someone's well-being."

Figures from the NAT show that there are 80,000 people living with HIV in the UK.

News brought to you by Global Health TV, covering the issues of health in the developing world