HIV carries 'a big societal stigma' in Ireland despite progress in treatment

Robbie Lawlor, Aoife Commins, and Enda McGrattan — known as Veda Lady — at the launch of the new HSE campaign, 'You, Me, and HIV', in January. The campaign aims to address misconceptions around HIV and help reduce the stigma experienced by people living with HIV in Ireland. File Picture: Stephen Collins/Collins Photos

A “persistent stigma” remains around HIV in Ireland, despite progress in treating the condition. 

The Cork Sexual Health Centre highlighted the stigma as revealed in its latest annual report. The report states that it provided 860 rapid HIV tests last year, as well as 677 HIV support and counselling sessions.