HIV checks urged following sentencing of Wearside man who deliberately infected others
A senior health official has urged other people across the country who have had sex with Adam Hall to get themselves checked for HIV.
A senior health official has urged other people across the country who have had sex with Adam Hall to get themselves checked for HIV.
Detectives know that the 43-year-old from Washington, Tyne and Wear, was active on the gay scene in Newcastle but travelled to see men he met on the dating app Grindr across the North East, including County Durham and Middlesbrough, as well as North Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, Manchester and London.
Newcastle director of public health Professor Alice Wiseman urged people who have had sex with Hall to access confidential health services in their area.
She said: “The sooner that anyone is diagnosed, the better the treatment is.
“We want to eliminate HIV in the long term, the way to do that is for those who are infected to receive treatment as soon as possible.
“The earlier you are diagnosed, the sooner you can have anti-retroviral therapy, and if you are consistent with your treatment, you can reduce your viral load so you are no longer infectious to those around you.”
A warning has been issued to other public health directors around the country about Hall’s offending and the potential for there to be more victims whom he deliberately infected.
Daniel Fluskey, director of policy, National AIDS Trust said: “Our thoughts are with everyone affected by today’s sentencing, first and foremost the people who are victims of Adam Hall’s crimes who have had deeply traumatic experiences.
“The intention of transmitting HIV to any other person is completely condemned, and this kind of prosecution is extremely rare.
“It is important to recognise that HIV has changed considerably over recent years – the vast majority of people living with HIV are on medication, cannot pass the virus on, and expect a normal life expectancy.
“As this case is discussed, we hope it helps improve the understanding of HIV and does not reinforce fear, stigma or discrimination. HIV is now a manageable condition and no one should fear taking an HIV test and accessing treatment.”