Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 October 2023
629. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Health the number of diagnoses of HIV, gonorrhoea, chlamydia, syphilis, pubic lice and HPV in each of the past five years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45361/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraSexual health is a priority for the Department of Health; the National Sexual Health Strategy 2015-2020 (NSHS) was developed as a core policy under the Healthy Ireland Framework and remains a priority under the Healthy Ireland Strategic Action Plan 2021-2025. Implementation of the Strategy is led by the HSE Sexual Health and Crisis Pregnancy Programme (SHCPP). It was extended until the end of 2022 as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
An independent Review of the Strategy, by Crowe Ireland, was published in March. The Review identified 56 Priority Actions, of which 49 were assessed as having been successfully progressed. It also sets out 32 indicative recommendations to build on achievements, and to optimise development of a new Strategy.
The following priorities have been identified for the new National Sexual Health Strategy, which is currently being drafted:
• implementing a Model of Care for sexual health services, with a key focus on prevention, treatment, information and surveillance for STIs, including HIV
• building capacity and meeting demand for HIV PrEP
• improving Sexual health information, focusing on positive menstrual health education and awareness, fertility, gynaecology and contraception
• further developing and expanding the Free Contraception Scheme for women and the National Condom Distribution Service, to support better access to contraception and STI prevention, also recognising the key role of hormonal contraception in treating adverse period symptoms
• supporting other relevant policy areas across Government, including women’s, men’s and LGBTI+ health and inclusion and focusing on the sexual health-related elements of these areas of work
As the data on diagnoses of STIs are a service matter, I have asked that the HSE respond to the Deputy on this, as soon as possible.
