Norwegian Public Health Institute (Folkehelsa) presented the previous year’s infection rates yesterday. The figures show a new record for the number of HIV infections among gays.

According to the report, the number of newly infected men who have sex with men (MSM) has reached the highest level of history with 97 cases. Also, the number of newly infected heterosexuals has stayed high. Folkehelsa authorities admitted that the infection pressure and the vulnerability will continue to increase for this group.

The report also pointed out that the number of HIV cases among homosexuals has increased three times compared to the beginning of the 2000s. While Oslo is still the primary infection site for MSM, there is an increasing tendency for spreading of new infections to other cities and urban areas in the country.

The report also determined the median age of those newly infected has risen to 37 years. Nevertheless, the institute is concerned that eight of the newly infected MSM were under 25. Moreover, 27 MSM with HIV had immigrant background last year. 17 of these 27 cases were infected in Norway, while the other 10 were infected before they came to the country.

The director of the LLH (National Association for lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender people) Bard Nylund is concerned about the development. Nylund said the numbers confirm that the situation is getting out of control. He believes the overall effort is inadequate and the politicians and public should make an initiative to address the worrying trend.