Press Release: Monday 14th June 2010

Largest ever levels of new HIV cases for Gay and Bisexual men

Figures released today by the HSE’s Health Protection Surveillance Centre show a continued rise in the number of gay and bisexual men testing positive for HIV, with the highest ever level of new cases being recorded.

“It is clear that HIV remains an issue of critical concern for men who have sex with men (MSM). The figures for 2009 show that MSM continue to be the group most likely to acquire HIV in Ireland” said Tiernan Brady, Director of Gay HIV Strategies (GHS) with GLEN. “There has been a substantial increase in new cases for gay and bisexual men in recent times. A renewed focus on prevention of HIV is urgently required with this group of men”.

The number of new diagnoses among MSM has risen from 97 cases in 2008 to 138 in 2009 representing a 42.3% increase. Young men under 30 accounted for 35% of all cases.

Brady continued “The reasons for this increase must be better understood so as to reduce this rising incidence of HIV. However, if we are to succeed in preventing further infections, we must also tackle the continuing stigma and discrimination associated with HIV.” 

“In light of these figures there is now an urgent need to develop and implement a National Sexual Health Strategy as outlined in the Programme for Government. This should encompass a more extensive HIV prevention strategy”.

“Such a strategy would represent an effective method of focussing and marshalling the available resources. If implemented, it will result in promoting better sexual health and a reduction in the numbers of new HIV infections. Considering the large financial cost involved with every new case of HIV they will also lead to substantial long term financial savings to the State” Brady concluded.

ENDS

For Further Information, contact:

Tiernan Brady         Director of Gay HIV Strategies                (087) 8505972

Brian Sheehan        Director, GLEN                                            (086) 2330417

Gay HIV Strategies

GLEN – Gay and Lesbian Equality Network,

2 Exchange Street Upper, Dublin 8

E: info@glen.ie; W: www.glen.ie  T: +353 1 6728650

Editors Note:

Gay HIV Strategies is an initiative of GLEN – the Gay and Lesbian Equality Network – that focuses on developing effective HIV prevention and sexual health promotion strategies targeting men who have sex with men.

For further information on the 2009 figures the website address is http://www.hpsc.ie/hpsc/A-Z/HepatitisHIVAIDSandSTIs/HIVandAIDS/SurveillanceReports/File,4370,en.pdf