NI HIV Cases Rising

Northern Ireland's Chief Medical Officer, Dr Michael McBride has expressed concern at the sharp rise in diagnosis of new cases of HIV in Northern Ireland. Figures released today by the Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre show that there has been an increase of 16% between 2006 and 2007. Provisional figures for the first half of 2008 also reveal that this upward trend is likely to continue. Speaking on World Aids Day, Dr McBride said: "In Northern Ireland the incidence of HIV is relatively low in comparison with the rest of the UK, however we cannot be complacent. The latest figures for Northern Ireland indicate a worrying surge in new diagnoses of HIV. There were 65 new cases diagnosed in 2007, compared with 56 in 2006. I am also very concerned by provisional figures for the first half of 2008 which would indicate further substantial increases in the numbers this year," he said.

Adams Slams Border Economics

The President of Sinn Féin Gerry Adams has criticised the Irish Republic's government for failing the people of Donegal and has vowed that Sinn Féin will continue to be to the fore in tackling Fianna Fáil and the Green’s economic policy decisions. Mr Adams said: "This government and the government before it have failed the people of Donegal. The current credit crunch and downturn in the economy, coupled with the appallingly inept management of the economy by the government, has meant that almost 5,000 new people have joined the dole queues across the county in the last year. Donegal already has the highest levels of unemployment in the state." The SF boss's comments came against a background where changes in taxation and existing price differentials saw a huge jump in cross-border shopping, with trade in stores in Northern Ireland's border towns representing around 40% of overall takings at the weekend.

Give Blood For Christmas

This week sees the launch of the Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service Christmas appeal for new blood donors. This year NIBTS wants more people to deposit a (blood) donation in their blood bank, and help save someone's life over the holiday season. The Service is appealing for the public, especially new donors, to attend one of the many blood donation sessions held during December. Their donation will be used to help save someone's life - a child with leukaemia, a mother during childbirth, someone undergoing a routine operation or someone involved in a road accident. Paul McElkerney a spokesperson for the Service said: "Just think how good you will feel if on New Year's Eve when looking back on your achievements throughout the year you are able to say - I gave blood once and saved someone's life." Call the Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service on 0500 534 666, or log on to www.nibts.org

Innovation Voucher Scheme Reaches Milestone

NI Enterprise Minister, Arlene Foster, has presented the 100th Invest Northern Ireland Innovation Voucher to Craigavon-based Access Needs. The voucher initiative was launched in June 2008 where small enterprises can apply for a maximum value of £4,000, which they can redeem against the cost of practical advice and expertise on specific operational projects, to help take the business to the next level. Access Needs, which supplies bespoke portable and semi-permanent access ramps, intends to use the voucher to exploit business opportunities within the Republic of Ireland marketplace.

Derry Twins Safe

A search for teenage twins who were feared to have fallen into the Rover Foyle in Londonderry was called off on Friday night after they were found safe and well. The search got underway for the 15-year-old brothers amid fears they had gone into the water from the Foyle Bridge. The boys, Joseph and Paul Gamble were seen in the vicinity of the bridge and the PSNI initially said they were concerned about the boys' welfare and search teams started hunting for the twins. The PSNI helicopter was drafted into the search.

(BMcC/KMcA)