There is no cure for HIV

According to the Health Protection Agency, 1,094 heterosexual men and women tested HIV positive in the six months to June.

This compares to 761 in the first six months of 2002 - an increase of 44%.

The figures also show that two out of three of these people probably contracted the virus in Africa.

For the first time, twice as many heterosexual than homosexual patients are now being told they have the disease.

Throughout the 1990s, most new cases of HIV infection occurred in gay men.

The latest statistics are truly shocking. Shadow Health Secretary Dr Liam Fox

However, that situation changed in 1999 and heterosexual patients now account for a growing proportion of reported cases.

So far this year, 528 men who reported having unsafe sex with other men were told they had the disease, up 6% on the same point last year.

Infected overseas

The figures also show most heterosexuals, who have been diagnosed with HIV this year, probably contracted the disease in Africa.

There have also been increases in the number of heterosexuals who contracted HIV in Latin America, the Caribbean and in Asia. However, they account for just 6% of new cases.

In a report, the HPA said: "This disparity is due to two factors, the very high HIV prevalences in many African countries and the historic links between the UK and Africa."

The figures also suggest that people who contract HIV in Africa may be spreading the disease in the UK.

In 1993, just 17 heterosexual patients who tested positive for HIV said it followed unsafe sex with someone who had been infected outside Europe. Last year, that figure was 153.

"Heterosexual spread within the UK has contributed to relatively few diagnoses to date, but the numbers are rising, particularly for those whose infection has been attributed to heterosexual contact with someone infected outside Europe," the report says.

Health checks

These latest figures will add to the growing debate over whether immigrants arriving in the UK should be tested for HIV.

The government is currently carrying out a review into the health needs of immigrants.

A report in one national newspaper earlier this year suggested ministers have already backed the idea of testing immigrants for HIV.

The Conservative Party has pledged to screen immigrants and asylum seekers for diseases like HIV.

Shadow Health Secretary said the latest figures highlighted the need for such a policy.

"The latest statistics are truly shocking. Something must be done and it must be done quickly.

"The government can't complain about not knowing what to do. They simply need to adopt the Conservative Party's proposals to introduce health screening.