STRICT religious values mean members of the Asian community are slipping through the net when it comes to education in HIV and AIDS prevention.

Experts fear many are suffering in silence or taking unnecessary risks because relatives cannot believe they would break strict Muslim laws and therefore fail to offer potentially life-saving advice.

As part of a plan aimed at tackling the problem, Moulana Mohammed Shahid Raza, a lecturer from the Muslim College in London, spoke to religious leaders at the Bangor Street Community Centre, Blackburn.

The half-day seminar was organised by Communicare NHS Trust's HIV Prevention Team.

Team member Tahir Hussain said: "We live with this myth that HIV and AIDS does not affect the Asian community.

"But we have clients within that community who are HIV positive.

"The Muslim faith does not allow pre-marital and extra-marital sex, drug taking or homosexuality but we have to realise that these things take place.

"Young Asians are increasingly going to nightclubs, drinking alcohol and having sex.

"But their families think they are not at risk from HIV and AIDS because they cannot believe their children would do things against their religion."

Mr Hussain said the problem was worsened as frightened sufferers "went underground" rather than reveal the truth to their families. Mr Raza, secretary of the Imams and Mosques Council, gave advice to representatives from religious and health organisations working within East Lancashire.

Mr Hussain added: "It is hoped that these respected religious leaders will be in a position to advise families about the risks."

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