Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 June 2004
49 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Health and Children the health measures or plans he has introduced or intends to introduce, in view of the release of statistics from the National Disease Surveillance Centre that STI’s, particularly hepatitis B, increased significantly in 2002 when compared with 2001; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18413/04]
View answerRecent statistics published by the National Disease Surveillance Centre, NDSC, show that, in 2002, 10,471 cases of sexually transmitted infections were notified to the NDSC. This compares with 9,703 cases notified in 2001 and represents an increase of 7.9%. Statistics in relation to hepatitis B infection show that 57 cases were notified to the NDSC in 2002, compared with 39 notified cases in 2001. Clearly these increases are a cause for concern.
Much of the increase in STIs during 2002 is likely to be associated with an increase in unsafe sexual behaviour. However, the NDSC reports anecdotal evidence that improved acceptability of STI clinic services, greater public and professional awareness of STIs and improvements in diagnostic tests have also contributed to the increases in identification and reporting of STIs. The NDSC also report that the increase in infectious hepatitis B notification since 1999 may reflect the introduction of screening programmes. Asylum seekers currently undergo health screening, including testing for hepatitis B infection. The high proportion of female cases notified may also be a result of antenatal screening of pregnant women in maternity hospitals.
The report of the national AIDS strategy committee, NASC, which was published in 2000, makes a range of recommendations for dealing with HIV-AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections. My Department through the national AIDS strategy committee and its sub-committees on education and prevention, surveillance and care and management is currently working to implement these recommendations.
The care and management sub-committee of NASC visited the hospitals and health boards involved in the provision of services to people with HIV-AIDS and STIs. The purpose of these visits was to identify gaps and make recommendations for the future direction of treatment services. The report of the sub-committee is currently being finalised.
Education is an important aspect in raising awareness of the dangers of engaging in risky sexual behaviour which could result in transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Health boards undertake information and awareness activities at regional level and amongst the issues addressed is the prevention of sexually-transmitted infection. Where appropriate, the health boards work in conjunction with and fund voluntary organisations in this regard.
The health promotion unit of my Department is involved in and supports a range of initiatives aimed at preventing and raising awareness of HIV-AIDS and other STIs. These initiatives include national public awareness advertising campaigns aimed at men and women in the 18 to 35 age group. The campaign which has been running for several years in third level colleges, bars, clubs and youth clubs has recently been revised by the health promotion unit and now targets an increased number of venues. The health promotion unit also produces a range of awareness raising leaflets on STIs and safe sex practices. These are available through the health promotion departments in each health board area. A national survey of sexual knowledge, attitudes and behaviours in Ireland funded by my Department and the Crisis Pregnancy Agency will commence in 2004.
Almost €5.5 million additional funding has been provided to health boards since 1997 to address the problems of HIV-AIDS and other STIs. This has resulted in a substantial increase in the facilities in place. At present there are seven consultants specialising in the treatment of HIV-AIDS and STIs — five of these are in Dublin, one of whom deals with children, and one in Cork. The Western Health Board has recently appointed a new infectious diseases consultant. My Department will continue to closely monitor the position in relation to HIV-AIDS and other STIs.
