Press Release: Incoming TDs must “speak up and act” on ending new HIV transmissions, says HIV Ireland

HIV Ireland invites all candidates in the upcoming general election to consider voicing their commitments to ending new HIV transmissions, combatting stigma and improving services for people living with HIV.

Setting out eight key priorities HIV Ireland believes candidates should use the campaign as an opportunity to state publicly how they will:

1. Deliver on the commitment to end new HIV transmissions by 2030.
2. Develop and deliver a new National Sexual Health Strategy.
3. Deliver on the Fast-Track Cities target to achieve zero HIV-related stigma and discrimination.
4. Invest in public health and fully fund HIV services to meet the needs of all communities.
5. Deliver on the statutory commitment to review the legislation that criminalises the purchase of sex.
6. Develop and resource early harm reduction interventions for those engaged in chem sex.
7. End the discriminatory 12-month deferral period on blood donations for gay, bisexual and men who have sex with men.
8. Resource locally accessible peer support services for people living with HIV.

Speaking at the publication of the #HIVManifesto, Executive Director of HIV Ireland Mr Stephen O’Hare said, “Every candidate standing in this election should be prepared to state publicly how, as an elected representative, they will use their platform to speak up and act to ensure an end to new HIV transmissions, to combat stigma, and to support evidence-based measures that promote positivity and wellbeing, including for people living with HIV across Ireland.”

Ends

For media enquiries please contact Stephen O’Hare, stephen.ohare@hivireland.ie, 085 711 26 35

Note to Editors

View the #HIVManifesto in full here.