Bernard Allen
Ceist:200 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps, if any, he will take to deal with the problem where it is reported that one Irish person is infected with HIV every two days.
Written Answers - HIV Infection.
The number of new cases of HIV reported to my Department over the past number of years is as follows:–
|
Year |
Cases |
Year |
Cases |
|
1994 |
85 |
1997 |
119 |
|
1995 |
91 |
1998 |
136 |
|
1996 |
106 |
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.
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.