Eamon Ryan
Ceist:17 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of heterosexual males and females who are HIV positive here; and the steps being taken to ensure HIV-AIDS does not increase. [18480/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 22 June 2004
Ceisteanna (20)
Freagraí scríofa
Recently the national disease surveillance centre published overall HIV figures for 2003. There were 399 newly diagnosed cases in 2003 which represents a 10% increase on 2002. The total number of cases of HIV infection diagnosed to the end of 2003 is 3,408.
In the first six months of 2003 there were 207 newly diagnosed cases of HIV infection. Of the 147 newly diagnosed cases where exposure category is known, there were 87 heterosexuals — 23 of which were male, 64 were female. In relation to other exposure categories, there were 35 men who have sex with men, 14 injecting drug users and seven cases of mother to child transmission. Of the 207 cases diagnosed in the first six months of 2003 as many as 106 or 51.2% were female and 100 or 48.3% were male. The gender in one case was unknown.
The report of the national AIDS strategy committee was published in 2000. It made recommendations to deal with HIV-AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections. At present my Department, through the strategy committee and its sub-committees on education and prevention, surveillance and care and management is working to implement these recommendations.
The care and management sub-committee of NASC visited 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 being finalised.
Education is an important aspect in raising awareness of the dangers in risky sexual behaviour that could result in the transmission of HIV and other STIs. Health boards undertake information and awareness activities at regional level and amongst the issues addressed is the prevention of STIs, including HIV. Where appropriate the health boards work in conjunction with and fund voluntary organisations who work with people living with HIV.
My Department's health promotion unit is also involved in and support a range of initiatives aimed at preventing and raising awareness of HIV-AIDS and other STIs. These include a national public awareness advertising campaign to promote sexual health that is aimed at men and women in the 18 to 35 age group. The campaign was run for several years in third level colleges, bars, clubs and youth clubs. Recently it was revised by the health promotion unit and now it targets an increased number of venues. In addition, the unit produces a range of awareness raising leaflets on HIV, other STIs and safe sex practices. They are available through the health promotion departments in each health board area. This year a national survey of sexual knowledge, attitudes and behaviours in Ireland will be funded by my Department and the Crisis Pregnancy Agency.
Since 1997 almost €5.5 million additional funding was provided to health boards to address the problems of HIV-AIDS and other STIs. It resulted in a substantial increase in facilities. At present there are seven consultants specialising in the treatment of HIV-AIDS and STIs. There are five consultants based in Dublin, one deals with children and another is based in Cork. Recently the Western Health Board appointed a new infectious disease consultant. My Department will continue to monitor the position of HIV-Aids and other STIs.