Written Answers - HIV Testing.
Mary Flaherty
Question:
55
Miss Flaherty
asked the
Minister for Health
his views on whether the annual increase in the number of HIV positive patients is indicative of a trend which requires further measures to combat the problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Michael Lowry
Question:
87
Mr. Lowry
asked the
Minister for Health
the annual rate of increase of HIV positive patients in the past eight years; whether he has satisfied himself that adequate measures are being taken to combat the problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
135
Mr. Durkan
asked the
Minister for Health
whether recent figures showing the annual increase in the number of HIV positive patients is indicative of a trend which requires further measures to combat the problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
It is proposed to take Questions Nos. 55, 87 and 135 together.
Since 1985, a programme of voluntary linked HIV testing has been in operation. Under this programme, HIV testing is carried out by the Virus Reference Laboratory, UCD on behalf of the Department of Health and the results are analysed by the Department as a basis for monitoring the prevalence of the infection. The data collected under this programme shows that the annual percentage rate of increase for each of the eight years sought is as follows: percentage increase (over previous year)— 1986, 47.38 per cent; 1987, 26.54 per cent; 1988, 16.99 per cent; 1989, 14.65 per cent; 1990, 12.33 per cent; 1991, 13.33 per cent; 1992, 13.58 per cent; 1993, 10.36 per cent.
The statistic for 1986 is artificially high as the HIV test was only introduced the previous year. Overall the rate of increase is declining. The decrease can possibly be attributed to a number of factors as follows: increased awareness of the risk of infection in the community generally as a result of public awareness campaigns; targeted awareness campaigns and sponsorship of action by voluntary groups; and targeting of specific groups such as drug abusers with methadone maintenance programmes to help users lead less chaotic lifestyles and needle exchange programmes to reduce the risk of infection through the sharing of contaminated needles.
The most recent HIV statistics show that over 57 per cent of cases of HIV infection are drug-abuse related. The Department of Health is currently developing the HIV data base for the purpose of programme planning and evaluation.
In line with the recommendations of the National AIDS Strategy Committee, the Department of Health has now extended the programme through anonymous, unlinked HIV surveillance.
The first phase of this programme commenced in October 1992 in maternity hospital units in general hospitals, under which blood, which is surplus to specified clinical requirements, is batch-tested for HIV infection. It is proposed to extend the programme initially to STD clinics and to hospital out-patient departments during 1994.
This form of surveillance is designed to provide a more comprehensive and accurate estimate of the prevalence of HIV infection in the community at large — and in particular to ascertain the level of infection amongst the heterosexual population — as a basis for a more systematic and targeted approach to the development and provision of services and programmes at all levels.
Voluntary, linked testing will continue to be available as an important element in the programme for the diagnosis, care and management of individuals.
The broad headings under which specific action has been taken are in accordance with the areas identified by the National AIDS Strategy Committee as follows: prevention, care and management, HIV-AIDS surveillance and anti-discrimination.
As I have already indicated the strategies for dealing with HIV-AIDS and drug abuse are closely interlinked. Part of the strategy for preventing the spread of HIV involves targeting particular at-risk groups including homosexuals as well as drug abusers. To this end I have allocated funding to a number of health boards to implement outreach projects, in association with voluntary organisations, aimed at reducing the spread of the infection amongst the homosexual community. In addition, services have been provided at secondary and tertiary care levels to care for and manage persons who have contracted HIV-AIDS.
I have secured the provision of substantial additional funding to give effect to the most important recommendations of the National AIDS Strategy Committee.
In 1993 a total amount of £4.96 million was made available, in addition to the normal allocations for health agencies, to fund the recommendations of the National AIDS Strategy Committee and in 1994 a further £3.4 million has been made available to continue the development of services in this area.
Progress with the implementation of the recommendations under these headings is reviewed on a regular basis and a meeting of the National AIDS Strategy Committee under my chairmanship is scheduled for later this month. This meeting will review any relevant issues in the HIV-AIDS area.
I am satisfied that significant progress has been made in developing programmes and services to respond to the problem of HIV-AIDS and that the National AIDS Strategy Committee is the appropriate forum to respond to the evolving epidemiology of the disease in Ireland.
