The HSE in partnership with people living with HIV, has launched ‘You, Me and HIV,’ a new nationwide campaign to address misconceptions around HIV and help reduce the stigma experienced by people living with HIV in Ireland.
The campaign features people living with HIV and their loved ones. It is being developed by the HSE in close collaboration with people living with HIV and community and voluntary groups.
Research has found that late diagnosis is often related to fear of diagnosis and stigma, highlighting the need to reduce stigma around HIV and testing. The latest figures from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) show a decrease in the rate of first-time HIV diagnoses in Ireland in 2023. However, nearly two in five people (39%) were diagnosed late.
Knowing your HIV status allows you to get access to essential treatment and care to live a healthy life. Advancements in treatment for HIV, mean that people on effective treatment cannot pass HIV to sexual partners. In a recent survey, 71% of Irish adults were unaware of these advances in treatment. In addition, effective treatment in pregnancy prevents HIV transmission to babies.
