According to a recent survey, the rate of HIV infection in the UK is increasing among the people aged above 50 years.

The researchers also claimed that as many as 400,000 infants today get infected with the virus while they are in the mother’s womb.

It has been found that over the last 10 years, the number of people aged 50 above and infected with HIV across England, Wales and Northern Ireland has grown from 299 in 2000 to 710 in 2007.

According to the health protection agency, the number of diagnoses seen in 2008 in the nation was more than 7,382. Almost 8% of these diagnoses were observed in those aged above 50.

The researchers said that the residents must undergo checkups for HIV infections irrespective of their age.

Lead researcher, Ruth Smith said, "We must continually reinforce the safe sex message – ‘using a condom with all new or casual partners is the best way to be secure’”.

The WHO officials have long been looking for effective drugs which can prevent the transmission of the virus from mother to the new born baby.

Dr. Valerie Delpech, head of HIV surveillance at the HPA, said the late detection of HIV is the biggest issue which needs attention.