Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 9 Mar 1999

Vol. 501 No. 6

Written Answers. - AIDS Incidence.

Eoin Ryan

Ceist:

228 Mr. E. Ryan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of people with AIDS in each of the years from 1994 to 1998; if there is concern at the rise of AIDS in the United States of America; and the plans, if any, he has to alert young people to the danger of AIDS through an information campaign. [6735/99]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

The number of cases of AIDS reported in each year from 1994 to 1998 is detailed in the table below:

Year	1994	1995	1996	1997	1998
No. of Cases of AIDS	67	55	79	32	41

In North America and Western Europe cases of AIDS and deaths from AIDS have been decreasing over the last few years. However, there has been no significant reduction in the incidence of HIV so while antiretroviral drug therapies keep already-infected people alive, the proportion of the population living with HIV has actually grown. My Department monitors closely the levels of AIDS in the US and all other countries and I view the rise in cases of HIV as a cause of concern but I am encouraged by the decline in the overall rate of increase.

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. My Department con tinues 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.