Vol. 509 No. 1
197 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will make a statement on the future trends of HIV infection in view of the current high levels; and the steps, if any, his Department is taking to contain and reverse the trend. [19512/99]
The average number of new cases of HIV reported to my Department over the past five years is 107 per annum From 1 January 1999 to 31 May 1999, 76 new cases of HIV have been reported.
Irish figures on HIV-AIDS reflect those in the developed world, with a lowering of cases and deaths from AIDS in recent years but a rise in the number of cases of HIV. The rate of increase has, however, stabilised. However, we must not become complacent about this condition and my Department will continue to give priority to HIV and AIDS. For this reason the national AIDS strategy committee is undertaking a review of all aspects of HIV-AIDS, with the aim of publishing an updated strategy in December 1999.
Since 1992 additional funding has been provided each year for health boards to respond to the problems of drugs and HIV-AIDS. HIV is strongly linked with intravenous drug misuse, with 42 per cent of HIV infections being drug misuse related. To respond to this health board services include methadone treatment and needle exchange in the range of services for drug misusers. The gay HIV prevention strategies project has developed a range of interventions among the gay community aimed at lowering the incidence of HIV in homosexuals.
My Department also continues to make available a range of materials and literature to educate the public, especially young people about the dangers of HIV-AIDS. The health promotion unit has run a media campaign to coincide with national and world AIDS days. Specific messages have been placed in the washroom areas of third level colleges and some night clubs and pool halls. Most recently the decision by the Department of Education and Science to introduce relationship and sexuality education into schools will also contribute to creating a greater awareness of the issues among young people.
