Increase in HIV infections

HIV infections among gay and bisexual men are on the increase in Ireland, new statistics show.

Eighty gay and bisexual men were diagnosed with HIV last year — up 45% on 2005.

The latest figures were released by The Gay Men’s Health Project at its fifth annual forum in Dublin Castle.

“Overall, these results highlight the consistent demand for the vital services we offer as well as the need for the continuation of our on-going health and education programmes,” said Mick Quinlan, project coordinator.

The figures from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre showed 75% of those infected by the virus were over 30 years, while 28% were born outside Ireland.

During 2006 there were 4,500 visits to the gay health facility’s clinic with 650 new clients registered.

Dublin AIDS Alliance said the increase was worrying and reinforced the conviction that there can be no complacency when it comes to HIV.

The organisation’s executive director, Mary O’Shea, said the figures proved more work was needed in developing sexual health and prevention strategies nationally.

The event provided an opportunity for those involved in providing healthcare for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans-gender community to track the latest research, familiarise themselves with best international practice and to hear from national and international experts.

The Gay Men’s Health Project was established in 1992 to provide clinical, outreach and counselling services to gay and bisexual men.

It is administered and funded by the Health Service Executive.

The provision of specialist services for the deaf was also discussed at the conference.

There were recommendations for practical measures such as an SMS service to confirm appointments to attend the clinic, use of sign language interpreters and specific safer sex workshops.