HIV campaign launched as 152 new cases diagnosed

SENIOR health officials have launched a major HIV public awareness campaign focused on the gay and bisexual community after a surge in new cases among young men.

New figures detailed by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre show that between January and the end of June, 152 new cases of the life-threatening illness were confirmed.

Of this number — the equivalent of almost one diagnosis a day — 56 cases related to men aged between 15 and 29.

As a result of the situation, highlighted for World Aids Day yesterday, the HSE, Department of Health and the Gay Health Network launched a national HIV prevention and sexual health awareness programme focused on the group.

The campaign, supported by the new website man2man.ie, seeks to raise awareness about the need for all men and women to undergo regular HIV tests.

A survey to be released soon will show that 84% of male 15-19-year-olds and 50% of male 20-24-year-olds have never been tested for HIV. Similarly, 54% of men living in small rural villages and 46% living in small towns have not been tested.

Junior Health Minister Roisín Shortall said: “Statistics are continuing to show that more and more people are engaging in risky behaviours. It is essential we identify the reasons for this and deliver targeted prevention programmes in order to address this situation.”

Tiernan Brady, of the Gay and Lesbian Equality Netw-ork, said: “Implementation of HIV prevention strategies and campaigns targeting groups most at risk is critical in effectively responding to the ongoing high levels of HIV diagnosis amongst gay and bisexual men.”

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