Health Minister supports World AIDS Day

Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey, has said that the threat posed by the HIV virus is ever present and must not be underestimated.

Speaking on World AIDS Day, Michael McGimpsey said: Northern Ireland has relatively low numbers of episodes compared with other areas of the UK. However, following a similar trend to that seen elsewhere in the UK and other parts of Europe, we have seen new episodes of HIV and sexually transmitted infections continue to increase here. The highest ever annual total of 92 new diagnoses of HIV was recorded in 2008.

Thanks to improved treatment, people are living longer and I am committed to ensuring that HIV-positive people living here receive the best possible care and access to the most up to date drugs.

"In addition to medication, those living with HIV need a range of integrated health and social care services. I want to see these services fully aligned to the needs of patients. I also want to ensure that health care workers are supported and trained to meet those needs.”

Michael McGimpsey said that, as well as being a public health issue, HIV and AIDS are social issues.

He said: Many of those living with HIV or AIDS still have to endure discrimination and lack of understanding from others.

The reality is that HIV has a significant impact on individuals and communities. My Department’s Sexual Health Promotion Strategy and Action Plan recognises the need for accurate information and education about sexual health, including HIV, and is underpinned by the values of respect and responsibility.

The Chief Medical Officer, Dr Michael McBride, said: The Sexual Health Promotion Strategy identifies that certain groups are more vulnerable and have particular needs with regard to their sexual health. The Action Plan therefore contains specific actions to address these challenges, including raising awareness of sexual health issues such as HIV, providing training in sexual health skills and improving sexual health services.

World AIDS day presents an opportunity to increase awareness of HIV and AIDS and the ongoing efforts in prevention, treatment and care. The increase in new episodes of HIV and sexually transmitted infections shows that we must continue to reinforce the ‘safer sex’ message. As Chief Medical Officer, I am committed to ensuring that work continues on prevention and early diagnosis, in the context of an overall approach to good sexual health.”

Notes to editors:

1. New episodes of HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections continue to increase in Northern Ireland, following a similar trend to that seen elsewhere in the UK and other parts of Europe. The annual number of new episodes of HIV has generally increased since 2001 (19), with the highest ever annual total (92) occurring in 2008. Northern Ireland has relatively low numbers of episodes compared with other areas of the UK. Sex between men and sex between men and women are the most significant routes of infection.
2. The Sexual Health Promotion Strategy and Action Plan 2008-2013 is available on the Department’s website.
3. Media queries to DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 0074, or out of hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned