P. J. Sheehan
Question:21 Mr. Sheehan asked the Minister for Health whether the fight against AIDS in this country has achieved progress equal to that of other countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - AIDS Statistics.
The latest international figures available in respect of AIDS cases at 31 December, 1993 show that Ireland ranks 11th amongst the Twelve EU member states in terms of cases per million of the population as follows:
|
Rate per 1,000,000 population. |
|
|
1. Spain |
579.4 |
|
2. France |
481.2 |
|
3. Italy |
351.8 |
|
4. Denmark |
260.8 |
|
5. Luxembourg |
192.5 |
|
6. Netherlands |
187.9 |
|
7. Portugal |
167.4 |
|
8. Belgium |
154.0 |
|
9. U.K. |
147.1 |
|
10. Germany |
133.9 |
|
11. Ireland |
105.0 |
|
12. Greece |
84.9 |
The incidence of AIDS amongst risk categories in each member state of the European Union varies greatly and individual member states therefore, have to develop policies which represent the best response to their individual needs. In Ireland 48 per cent of AIDS cases are IV drug misuse related and my Department's AIDS Strategy takes account of that fact.
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.
The strategies for dealing with HIV/AIDS and drug abuse are closely interlinked. Since 1992 substantial funding has been allocated to these areas, particularly in the greater Dublin area where the majority of drug abusers reside. This funding has allowed for the development of extensive prevention and treatment services by the Eastern Health Board, which, together with the Drug Treatment Centre and voluntary organisations, provides a comprehensive treatment network for drug abusers. It is intended to further develop these services during 1994 and I have allocated specific funding for this purpose.
In accordance with the Government's strategies on HIV/AIDS and drug abuse, methadone maintenance, i.e. a synthetic drug provided as a heroin substitute, is made available by the Eastern Health Board and also by the Drug Treatment Centre. The rationale is that by availing themselves of this free "safe" drug, addicts are less likely to indulge in high risk needle-sharing and other anti-social behaviour. This helps prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases as well as bringing addicts into contact with the range of services, treatment and otherwise, available for them. It is important to point out that once the addict's behaviour is stabilised a range of treatment options is offered including assistance towards a drug-free lifestyle.
Part of the strategy for preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS 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 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 was held recently. This meeting reviewed recent 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 recommendations of the National AIDS Strategy Committee will continue to provide an appropriate response to the evolving epidemiology of the disease in Ireland.