THE number of people living in Waltham Forest with HIV has risen by nearly 20 per cent.

A report by Waltham Forest Primary Care Trust shows there were 469 people known to be HIV postive in 2002, compared with 399 in 2001.

A spokeswoman for the PCT said there had been national increases in all sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, with London and other urban areas showing the highest increase.

The figure for Waltham Forest is in line with the London average.

The spokeswoman said: "There is an increase of transmission in HIV through heterosexual contact, particularly affecting people from African countries.

"Other reasons include increased rates of unprotected sexual activity, improvements in the detection of STIs and improved survival for people infected with HIV due to combination therapies."

A new multi-agency group was set up for Waltham Forest in December 2003 to implement the Government's HIV strategy at a local level.

Representatives from Whipps Cross University Hospital, Waltham Forest Council social services, PCT community health services, GPs and voluntry sector organisations are working on initiatives across the borough to combat HIV.

These include a Living Well programme which provides support for people living with HIV, targeted health promotion programmes for local gay and African communities and school-based projects on sex education.