New figures show a 50% increase in the number of people with HIV in Northern Ireland.
The figures released by the Public Health Agency on World Aids Day show 92 people were diagnosed in 2008 compared to 61 the previous year.
Fifty-five per cent of these new cases were acquired through sex between men and women.
Dr Lorraine Doherty, from the Public Health Agency, said people on HIV treatment can live an active life, particularly if they have been diagnosed early.
"There is no cure for HIV, but treatment can keep the virus under control and the immune system healthy", she said.
"More people are living with HIV than ever before due to more effective antiretroviral treatment."
World AIDS Day is an annual campaign which aims to raise awareness of the disease.
"World AIDS Day puts the spotlight firmly on the disease and also provides an opportunity to raise awareness about a range of other Sexually Transmitted Infections, some of which are on the increase in Northern Ireland."
Currently there are over 80,000 people living with HIV in the UK and over a quarter of those people do not know they are infected with the disease.
In the Republic, the number of new cases of HIV dropped from 212 in the first half of last year to 210 in 2009, 65% of new diagnoses were male, with 35% female.
According to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre, the number of gay men contracting the virus in the Republic doubled in two years.
Gay support groups said there must be a renewed emphasis on HIV prevention measures.
Tiernan Brady, director of Glen's Gay HIV Strategies (GHS), said: "The reasons for this increase must be better understood so as to reduce this rising incidence of HIV.
"HIV testing is quick, straightforward and saves lives."
© UTV News