Vol. 515 No. 2
72 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of new cases of HIV reported in 1999; the way in which this compares with each of the previous five years; the additional steps, if any, planned to deal with the spread of HIV; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5491/00]
The number of new cases of HIV reported from January 1999 to the end of September 1999 is 151. Full year figures will be available in the coming weeks. The number of new HIV cases for each year 1995 to 1998 is as follows: 1994 – 85; 1995 – 91; 1996 – 106; 1997 – 119; 1998 – 136.
The above figures indicate that the numbers of reported cases of HIV have increased in the past few years. These statistics show that we cannot become complacent about HIV-AIDS and that there is still a need for increased education and awareness to prevent the spread of the disease. The health promotion unit of my Department engages in a number of education programmes such as a mass media campaign; emphasis on condom usage through TV and radio campaigns as a means of preventing the spread of HIV; convenience advertising involving the placement of AIDS awareness messages in washroom-toilet areas of third level colleges, women's health clinics, selected entertainment venues etc. where they are guaranteed to be viewed by patrons entering theses areas; AIDS resource materials for second level schools and publication of guidelines for effective HIV-AIDS education.
Health boards also fund voluntary agencies who are involved with the local community in providing education and prevention messages in the area of HIV-AIDS.
The National AIDS Strategy Committee is at an advanced stage of preparing a new policy document on HIV-AIDS. One important area which will be addressed in this new policy is the issue of education and prevention.
