HIV/Aids cases here have risen by a fifth

ONE of the country’s largest HIV/Aids support groups is seriously concerned after a massive jump in the numbers of people contracting the disease.

Figures reveal a 21% increase in incidents of the condition in the first six months of 2007, according to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre.

Unprotected sex between heterosexuals accounted for the highest number of cases, followed by drug use and sex between homosexuals.

The Dublin Aids Alliance (DAA) said the figures revealed the need for a national sexual health strategy.

“HIV among the heterosexual population is rising. People need to be aware of the risks and take the necessary precautions. The figures show more work is required in developing sexual health and prevention strategies nationally,” said DAA’s executive director Mary O’Shea.

The centre revealed 204 incidents of the condition were recorded in the first half of 2007 compared with 337 for the whole of 2006.

Of the 204 new cases, the centre were able to tell the source of 150, with 53% caused by sexual contact between men and women, 21% between homosexuals and 23% among drug users.

More than 50% were men and 39% were women while the average age was 33.

Nationality was known in about 120 cases, with 42% born in sub-Saharan Africa and 40% in Ireland.

The majority of those who contracted the condition through heterosexual contact were of sub-Saharan origin.

In the 108 cases where geographic location was known, the majority of people (78%) were living in Dublin, Wicklow or Kildare.

While the DAA welcomed the Government’s reduction in VAT for condoms outlined in the Finance Bill, it has come up with a series of recommendations to help raise sexual health awareness. These include the development of a national sexual health strategy modelled on the national drugs strategy and for primary healthcare to be expanded to include services for sexually transmitted diseases.

* www.dublinaidsalliance.com

* www.ndsc.ie/hpsc