Press Release - 6th September 2007

"Dublin AIDS Alliance launches 'The Don't Panic Guide to Sexual Health'

Mary O'Shea, the Executive Director of the Dublin AIDS Alliance, has called on the Government to develop a National Sexual Health Strategy.  Such a strategy, she said, would ensure targeted investment and improved planning in the provision of sexual health services in Ireland.

She was speaking at the launch of a new booklet by the Dublin AIDS Alliance called 'The Don't Panic Guide to Sexual Health', which took place today, Thursday 6th September, in the Dublin Writers Museum, Parnell Square.

Pat Carey, T.D., Minister with Responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy, and the Mayor of Portlaoise, Cllr. Rotimi Adebari, formally launched the new booklet which is a unique multi-ethnic collaboration available in six different languages (English, Polish, Mandarin, Arabic, Russian, and French).

Giving an overview of sexual health and sexual health services in Dublin, the short and accessible booklet contains user-friendly and essential information on the Irish health service including helpline numbers and clinic locations.  The guide also includes information on STI's (sexually transmitted infections), HIV, and practical information on testing and treatment.

Mary O'Shea said, "This booklet will be widely available and it is targeted in particular at those who may not be too familiar with how the public health system and sexual health services work in this country."

At the launch, the Dublin AIDS Alliance Executive Director explained, "We want to see the Government look seriously at developing and implementing a National Sexual Health Strategy, modelled to a degree on the National Drugs Strategy.  The similar application of such a focused strategy for sexual health would be of enormous benefit to our young population."

She went on to say "64% of all reported STI's in Ireland are within the 20-29 year old cohort, so there is a particular job of work to be done in terms of awareness raising and prevention in respect of younger people.  Worryingly, for the first time in two years, there has been an increase in HIV in this country.  A total of 337 HIV infections were diagnosed during 2006 compared to 318 in 2005.  Last year's increase in figures is a matter of major concern and reinforces the notion that we cannot be complacent when it comes to tackling HIV.  These new figures, which admittedly aren't an enormous increase, are still large enough to prove that more work is required in developing sexual health and prevention strategies nationally.  HIV needs to remain on the agenda and it is a matter of some concern to us that it is sometimes referred to as a '1980's disease'," she remarked.

Mary O'Shea also said that the Dublin AIDS Alliance would like to see expansion and increased investment in primary healthcare services, pointing out that while currently the specialist STI clinics provide very good services, they are overstretched.

She also remarked, "In Ireland, condoms are regrettably considered to be a luxury item with 21% VAT applied to them, making this country the most expensive in Europe in which to buy a condom.  If used properly they are a proven life saver and prevent STI's."

The Dublin AIDS Alliance also called for the full implementation of the Relationship and Sexuality Education component of the Social, Personal and Health Education programme which is currently limited to primary and post-primary junior cycles only, highlighting the need for the programme to be continued into senior cycle at second level education.

For further information please contact: 

Press Release - 15th June 2007 - Irish AIDS Day

"Dublin AIDS Alliance concerned by increase in newly diagnosed HIV infections"

Figures released in advance of Irish AIDS Day by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre show an increase in HIV infections for the first time in two years.  A total of 337 HIV infections were diagnosed during 2006 compared to 318 in 2005.

Commenting on the figures, newly appointed Executive Director of Dublin AIDS Alliance, Mary O'Shea, said, "Last year's increase in figures is of major concern and reinforces the notion that we cannot be complacent when it comes to tackling HIV.  These new figures, which admittedly aren't an enormous increase, are still large enough to prove that more work is required in developing sexual health and prevention strategies nationally".

Continuing the trend of the past number of years, heterosexual transmission remains the most dominant mode of transmission in Ireland with 169 of the 337 newly diagnosed cases reporting as having been heterosexually acquired.  This compares to 168 in 2005 and 178 in 2004.

Of the 169 cases acquired through heterosexual contact, 104 were born in sub-Saharan Africa.  However, heterosexual transmission of HIV has once again been on the rise among Irish born nationals with a slight increase from 32 cases in 2005 to 33 in 2006.

HIV acquired through injecting drug users (IDUs) has continued on a decline to 57 new cases compared to 66 in 2005 and 71 in 2004.

"This is one of the positive areas of the report where there has been a steady decline since 2004.  Once again we should not be complacent with IDUs infected with HIV.  To continue this trend it's important that we continue to expand easy access facilities for drug users," Mary O'Shea said.

One of the main areas of concern from the report was the sharp increase in those infected through men who have sex with men (MSM).  This rose from 57 cases in 2005 to 83 new diagnoses in 2006.

The Dublin AIDS Alliance is delighted to be involved and associated with a year-long campaign to challenge HIV-related stigma and discrimination.  Endorsed by An Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, T.D., the campaign is call STAMP OUT STIGMA and it is a unique partnership of NGOs, frontline health workers, and people living with HIV.  The campaign will be launching their website today which can be viewed at www.stampoutstigma.ie.

Mary O'Shea said "In support of the campaign, Dublin AIDS Alliance, in partnership with the HSE Dublin/North East, has undertaken an initiative to design, develop and deliver workshops, which will incorporate best practice models in relation to challenging HIV-related stigma and discrimination.  A planning committee has been established consisting of representatives from statutory agencies with an interest in developing policies and best practice on these issues.  Development of the workshops will be completed at the end of June, and workshops will be delivered to statutory agencies and also at youth and community levels".

For further information please contact: