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Press Release Irish AIDS Day 2016

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Charities mark Irish AIDS Day with harm reduction campaign for people who inject Snow blow.

On Irish AIDS Day, 15th June 2016, the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Críona Ní Dhálaigh, launched a campaign highlighting the increased risk of HIV infection amongst people who inject drugs, particularly Snow blow.

 

The Ana Liffey Drug Project and HIV Ireland are taking action to address increasing HIV diagnoses amongst people who use Snow blow by providing harm reduction and HIV prevention information for people who inject drugs.  Resources created include an information leaflet, posters and a factsheet, which will be distributed widely as well as promoted on social media and via the drugs.ie website.

 

Speaking at today’s launch in the Mansion House, The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Críona Ní Dhálaigh, highlighted Ireland’s upward trend in HIV diagnoses:

 

“New HIV diagnoses in Ireland have increased to their highest level on record in 2015.  Provisional data published by the HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre shows that a total of 491 people were newly diagnosed with HIV in 2015 – a 30% increase over 2014 figures.  Data also shows a significant increase in HIV diagnoses amongst people who inject drugs with a 67% increase in 2015[1], many of whom are people who are homeless in Dublin[2]”.

 

The Lord Mayor praised the efforts of both partner organisations to address the specific needs of at risk groups:

 

“I want to commend the Ana Liffey Drug Project and HIV Ireland for working together, sharing their expertise, and providing much needed harm reduction information to people who are more vulnerable to HIV.  This targeted initiative is very much in line with Ireland’s Healthy Ireland framework for improved health and well-being to address the specific needs of at-risk groups to reduce health inequalities.”

 

Niall Mulligan, Executive Director of the national charity HIV Ireland said:

 

 “We are working in partnership with the Ana Liffey Drug Project to play our part in addressing the increasing HIV diagnoses amongst people who inject drugs; we must reverse this trend in new HIV diagnoses.  The Government needs to invest in the prevention of HIV – including more access to free testing in a variety of settings and a sustained national HIV prevention and awareness campaign – and  HIV prevention should be included as a priority action in the next National Drugs Strategy.”

 

Tony Duffin, Director of the Ana Liffey Drug Project said:

 

 “Depending on a person’s drug habit, a person who injects heroin may inject about four times a day; however, people who inject Snow blow may inject every two hours.  More injecting means more blood exposure and this means more risk.  This makes someone more vulnerable to HIV; Hep C; death by overdose, abscesses, etc.”

 

 Duffin continued:

 

 “This increase in HIV in Dublin amongst people who inject drugs and who have multiple and complex needs, further highlights the need for Supervised Injecting Facilities.  It is essential that the draft legislation in relation to Supervised Injecting Facilities is debated, finalised and enacted as a matter of urgency – if we are to save lives and taxpayers money.”

 

The upward trend in HIV diagnoses has continued in 2016 with provisional data showing 231 new HIV diagnoses up to week 22 of 2016, compared to 167 during the same period last year – a 38% increase.[3]  Ireland now has an average of 10 people per week being diagnosed with HIV.  Official figures are likely to understate the scale of the crisis as the European Centre for Disease Prevention Control (ECDC)/WHO Regional Office for Europe estimate that 30% of people living with HIV are undiagnosed[4]. It is therefore likely the number of people living with HIV in Ireland is considerably higher than the number of diagnosed cases.

 

To download the campaign leaflet, posters and factsheet visit drugs.ie/snowblowhiv.

 

For information about HIV, testing, safer sex and support visit hivireland.ie.

 

Ends

 

 For further information, please contact:

 

Niall Mulligan, Executive Director

HIV Ireland

70 Eccles Street, Dublin 7

 

Mobile:  085 7457951

Office Tel: 01 873 3799

Email: niall.mulligan@hivireland.ie

 

 

Information for Editors:

Ana Liffey Drug Project:  Ana Liffey Drug Project is a national addiction service working to reduce the harm caused by drug use in Ireland. Ana Liffey provided direct services to over 2,914 clients in 2014, many of whom are among the most marginalised from mainstream service provision. To find out more about the Ana Liffey’s services visit www.aldp.ie.

Drugs.ie is an independent website funded by the HSE and managed by the Ana Liffey Drug Project. The drugs.ie site has in excess of 150,000 unique Irish visitors each year and over 750,000 international visitors annually.

HIV Ireland: HIV Ireland is a registered charity operating at local, national and European level.  Our mission and vision is to contribute towards a significant reduction in the incidence and prevalence of HIV in Ireland and towards the realisation of an AIDS-free generation by advocating for individuals living with HIV, preventing new HIV infections and combating HIV-related stigma and discrimination.  We consistently engage in lobbying and campaigning in the promotion of human rights and our approach broadly reflects a harm minimisation model which emphasises practical rather than idealised goals.  Service provision includes support for people living with HIV, free HIV and STI community-based testing, free condoms service, education and training programmes, free resources service, and a range of HIV and sexual health related campaigns and projects.  Visit www.hivireland.ie for more information.

HIV data in Ireland: HIV surveillance reports are available from the HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre website www.hpsc.ie.

HSE Report 2015: Injection of new psychoactive substance snow blow associated with recently acquired HIV infections among homeless people who inject drugs in Dublin, Ireland, 2015 – http://www.lenus.ie/hse/handle/10147/583464.

[1] HIV in Ireland 2015 Provisional Data, HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre, 31st May 2016.

[2] Injection of new psychoactive substance snow blow associated with recently acquired HIV infections among homeless people who inject drugs in Dublin, Ireland, 2015

[3] Statutory Notifications of HIV and STIs reported in Ireland via the Computerised Infectious Disease Reporting (CIDR) system for Week 22, 2016 (Provisional data), HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre, 8th June 2016.

[4] HIV/AIDS surveillance in Europe 2009. Stockholm: European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control; 2010.

HSE and the Gay Health Network publish the largest ever MISI Survey

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Joint Gay Health Network and HSE Press Release, 10th June 2016.

The HSE and the Gay Health Network launched the Men who have Sex with Men Internet Survey Ireland (MISI 2015) today, 10th June 2016 at the 14th Annual Gay Health Forum (GHF14) Dublin Castle.

The MISI 2015 report includes a range of findings on sexual health knowledge, attitudes, needs and behaviour among MSM. It focuses on sexual identity, relationships, HIV status and perception, and HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing. It also reports on sexual behaviours, substance use, access to and use of HIV prevention interventions as well as awareness and impact of health promotion materials designed for MSM. This internet survey, which was live from March 1st to May 31st 2015, is the largest ever national MSM survey of its kind in Ireland, with 3,090 men included in the analysis.  The full report is available here.

Men of all ages responded to the survey; 31% were less than 25 years of age, and 28% were over 40. Sexual identity and attraction varied among respondents: 75% were attracted only to men, and 25% to both men and women. The majority of men (79%) described themselves as gay, 13% as bisexual, 2% as straight or heterosexual and 5% as other. Two thirds were out to all or more than half of the people who knew them while 25% were out to less than half or few people and a further 9% were out to no one. Overall, 53% of MSM were single, 39% were in a steady relationship with a man and 8% were in a steady relationship with a woman.

90% of men had sex with another man in the previous year and 14% had sex with a woman.  Of men who had sex in the last 12 months, 31% reported that they had sex with one partner. Overall, 61% had sex with one or more non-steady partner in the last year, and 40% of these had unprotected (without a condom) anal intercourse.

Almost two thirds of men who had sex in the last 12 months met their most recent male partner via a smartphone app or website. Almost four in 10 men had never tested for HIV or STIs. Those least likely to have ever had a HIV test were young, living outside Dublin, did not identify as gay, were out to few or no one or had low levels of education. Of those who tested for STIs in the last 12 months, 21% had been newly diagnosed with an STI. Of those who had ever tested for HIV, 8% reported that they were HIV positive.

Encouragingly, for the 40% of men who had seen the “Get Tested” campaign for HIV, one third said that the campaign encouraged them to test for HIV. For the “It’s hard, it’s easy” condom campaign, 39% of men who had seen it said that the campaign had encouraged them to access free condoms, and 48% said that it encouraged them to get and carry condoms.  Both campaigns were run in partnerships between the Gay Health Network (GHN)  and the HSE as part of the man2man.ie initiative.

Mick Quinlan representing the GHN said:  “It is very valuable to have this information, to help the HSE and GHN to continue to plan activities and campaigns for MSM in Ireland. This large study shows that  the “Get Tested” Campaign and the “It’s Hard, It’s Easy” campaign  have been really successful in reaching our population and encouraging men, particularly young men, to get tested for HIV, to talk to their sexual partners and friends about HIV and to carry and use condoms.”  For more information visit www.man2man.ie

Ends.

Press Release – 29th April 2016 – National charity calls for urgent Government action on spiralling HIV figures

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National charity calls for urgent Government action on spiralling HIV figures

Press Release – Friday 29th April 2016

-Ten new people are diagnosed with HIV every week in Ireland-

The incoming Government must take urgent action to address the spiralling HIV crisis. That’s according to HIV Ireland, the national charity for HIV advocacy, support and prevention.

With new HIV diagnoses in Ireland increasing to their highest level on record in 2015, Niall Mulligan, Executive Director of HIV Ireland said: ‘‘One of the first actions of the new Government must be to address the HIV crisis in Ireland. HIV Ireland has been working in the areas of prevention, testing, outreach and support for almost 30 years and we are alarmed at the relentless upward trend in HIV diagnoses.”

New HIV diagnoses nationally have increased by 35% since 2011. A total of 498 people were diagnosed as living with HIV in 2015, compared with 372 in 2014 [www.hpsc.ie – provisional data]. This worrying trend has continued in 2016, with 175 new provisional diagnoses to date (compared to 106 this time last year – a 40% increase). Ireland now has an average of 10 people per week being diagnosed with HIV.

HIV affects a range of at-risk groups including men who have sex with men (MSM), intravenous drug users and migrants. Over one-third of new HIV transmissions in Ireland were through heterosexual sexual contact in 2014. HIV also affects both younger and older people, with 44 young people aged between 14 and 24, and 32 people aged over 50 years, diagnosed with HIV in 2014.

Official figures are likely to understate the scale of the crisis. According to the World Health Organisation, 30% of people living with HIV are undiagnosed. It is therefore likely the number of people living with HIV in Ireland is considerably higher than the number of diagnosed cases.

HIV Ireland has been providing community testing in Dublin since 2013 and is currently developing a similar testing project in the North East. This innovative, lifesaving service has a detection rate of 1 HIV positive person for every 80 people tested. People who don’t know their HIV status run the greatest risk of poorer health outcomes, and of transmitting HIV to others through unprotected sex or sharing of needles. HIV symptoms may not appear for years, so the only way someone will know they are living with HIV is by getting tested.

The good news is that regular HIV testing can mean earlier diagnosis and more effective treatment. With early treatment, a person’s long term health prospects may improve to the point where their life expectancy will be similar to that of someone who has not contracted HIV. HIV Ireland wants everyone living with HIV to have the prospect of a long and fulfilling life.

Mulligan said, ‘HIV Ireland believes we can begin to reverse the trend in new diagnoses with a national HIV prevention and awareness campaign. The Government needs to invest in public awareness about how HIV is transmitted and how this can be prevented. We need to provide and promote free condom use across the country. Voluntary universal testing for HIV should be available nationally, especially within community and healthcare settings. We also need to focus on people who face a higher risk due to their circumstances – being homeless, being addicted to drugs, working within the sex industry, being in prison, suffering from poor mental health. Failure to do so runs the risk of creating a catastrophe out of a crisis’.

For information about HIV, testing, safer sex and support please visit – www.hivireland.ie; www.man2man.ie; www.positivenow.ie

End

For further information, please contact:

Niall Mulligan, Executive Director

Mobile:  085 7457951

Tel: 01 8733799

Email: niall.mulligan@hivireland.ie

 

HIV Ireland launched by Minister Leo Varadkar on World AIDS Day

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HIV Ireland Press Release 1st December 2015

HIV Ireland was officially launched on World AIDS Day, 1st December 2015, by the Minister for Health, Mr. Leo Varadkar. The change of name from Dublin AIDS Alliance to HIV Ireland is very much a reflection of the reality for the vast majority of people living with HIV in Ireland today – progression to AIDS is no longer inevitable. Given the significant improvements in medication and treatment over the last twenty years, people who contract HIV in 2015, and access treatment as soon as possible, can expect to live a normal healthy life.

Leo Varadkar TD, Minister for Health launching HIV Ireland today, World AIDS Day, in HIV Ireland. Pictured from left to right Stephen Rourke, Chair of HIV Ireland, Leo Varadkar TD, Minister for Health, Niall Mulligan, Executive Director of HIV Ireland and Erin Nugent Community Support Manager, HIV Ireland

Leo Varadkar TD, Minister for Health launching HIV Ireland today, World AIDS Day, in HIV Ireland. Pictured from left to right Stephen Rourke, Chair of HIV Ireland, Leo Varadkar TD, Minister for Health, Niall Mulligan, Executive Director of HIV Ireland and Erin Nugent Community Support Manager, HIV Ireland.

When launching the organisation, the Minister commended the re-branded organisation. “I think this re-branding is a positive step which can only build on all the good work it has performed so far. I wish them the very best for the future and I know their excellent work will continue. This is a very timely launch as the number of new HIV cases is rising year on year. The Government is funding a rapid HIV test in the main cities on a pilot basis, as part of the new Sexual Health Strategy. Testing is available free of charge at 20 locations across the State. But this event today will help to raise awareness and hopefully prompt more people to get tested. Early detection allows treatment to start early, it minimises the long-term health implications, and reduces potential new infections.”

 

The number of new HIV cases is rising year on year which is a real cause for concern. My Department is currently funding a rapid HIV test in the main cities on a pilot basis, as part of the new Sexual Health Strategy. STI screening is available free of charge at 20 locations across the State. However, it’s important that we raise awareness and detect as many undiagnosed cases as we can in order to get treatment early, minimise the long-term health implications, and reduce potential new infections.”

Leo Varadkar TD, Minister for Health Launching HIV Ireland today, World AIDS Day, in HIV Ireland. Pictured Leo Varadkar TD, Minister for Health with Niall Mulligan, Executive Director of HIV Ireland.

Speaking after the launch, Niall Mulligan, Executive Director of HIV Ireland emphasised one of the key challenges being the rising numbers of new HIV diagnoses in Ireland. ‘We cannot afford to become complacent. We must continually remind ourselves that as new HIV diagnoses increase in Ireland (427 new provisional diagnoses to date in 2015, an increase of 85 over this time last year – www.hpsc.ie), approximately 30% of people who are living with HIV in Ireland don’t actually know they are. Challenging stigma, encouraging safer sex and condom use and increasing access to testing must remain key Government priorities if we are to have any chance of reducing new HIV diagnoses over the coming years’.

 

Also speaking at the event was Dr. Erin Nugent, Community Support Co-ordinator with HIV Ireland, who launched the latest edition of ‘Living with HIV in Ireland – a Self-Help Guide’, an indispensable support for those who are living with HIV in Ireland today. The guide is available as a download on www.hivireland.ie. In launching the Guide, Dr. Nugent thanked Janssen pharmaceuticals for funding the project. She also spoke of how ‘the guide represents the human rights ethos of HIV Ireland. An ethos that centres on our core beliefs that people have a right to education, a right to make informed decisions and a right to be respected’.

 

HIV Ireland also announced some key pieces of work the organisation will be involved in during 2016 i.e. conducting a National HIV survey looking at stigma, discrimination, general awareness of HIV and public attitudes towards people living with HIV; expanding its HIV and STI Community Testing programme into the North East with support from the HSE National Social Inclusion department and increasing its work with the Sex Workers Alliance of Ireland and others to promote the health and rights of sex workers.

 

Equally, as a key partner with the Gay Health Network (GHN), HIV Ireland is delighted to be involved today in the launch of a new HIV awareness campaign, part of the joint HSE and GHN national Man2Man.ie programme.  HIV: Laid Bare is a new messaging campaign targeted at men who have sex with men and aims to increase knowledge about HIV prevention, about the positive effects of HIV medication in preventing the transmission of HIV and the importance of regular testing, and to challenge the stigma still experienced by MSM living with HIV.

 

HIV Ireland would like to thank all of its colleagues, funders and friends for their huge level of support over the last number of years and looks forward to working in partnership with others to ensure that everything that can be done will be done to support people living with HIV in Ireland.

 

For information about HIV, testing, safer sex and support please visit – www.hivireland.ie; www.man2man.ie; www.positivenow.ie

 

End

For further information, please contact:

 

Niall Mulligan,

Executive Director

HIV Ireland

70 Eccles Street

Dublin 7

 

Mobile:  085 7457951

Tel: 01 8733799

Email: niall.mulligan@hivireland.ie

www.hivireland.ie

 

HIV Ireland Information

 

HIV Ireland is a registered charity operating at local, National and European level. The principal aim of the organisation is too improve, through a range of support services, conditions for people living with HIV and AIDS and/or Hepatitis, their families and their caregivers while further promoting sexual health in the general population.

 

Our mission and vision is to contribute towards a significant reduction in the incidence and prevalence of HIV in Ireland and towards the realisation of an AIDS-free generation by advocating for individuals living with HIV, preventing new HIV infections and combating HIV-related stigma and discrimination.

 

Since 1987 HIV Ireland (formerly Dublin AIDS Alliance) has been pioneering services in sexual health education and promotion, and has consistently engaged in lobbying and campaigning in the promotion of human rights. Our approach broadly reflects a harm minimisation model which emphasises practical rather than idealised goals. In relation to practical service provision we currently operate under two headings

A) Community Support

  • Counselling
  • 1-1 Support
  • Advocacy
  • Community Outreach Work
  • HIV & STI Community Testing
  • Capacity Building with People Living with HIV

B) Prevention, Education & Training

  • One day workshops on HIV, STI’s and Sexual Health
  • Sexual Health Training for Trainers Programme (Let’s Talk About…..Safer Sex)
  • Free Condom Service (Just Carry One Campaign)
  • Social Media work and campaigning
  • Network Involvement

Joint Press Release: Minister Varadkar launches Ireland’s first National World AIDS Day (WAD) Campaign

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Minister Varadkar launches Ireland’s first National World AIDS Day (WAD) Campaign

Minister for Health, Leo Varadkar today (Thursday 26th November 2015) launched the first ever five-day national World AIDS Day campaign in Ireland. This campaign is developed by NGO’s and statutory bodies across Ireland in partnership with the HSE Sexual Health & Crisis Pregnancy Programme.

26/11/2015 Minister for Health, Leo Varadkar TD (5th from right), launches Ireland's first National World AIDS Day (WAD) Campaign developed by NGOs and statutory bodies across Ireland in partnership with the HSE Sexual Health and Crisis Pregnancy Programme #WADirl. Pictured with Minister Varadkar are, from left, Oisin McKenna, SpunOut.ie, Jacinta Whelan, Dochas, Mick Quinlan, HSE Gay Men's Health Service, Roisin Guiry, HSE Sexual Health and Crisis Pregnancy Programme, Niall Mulligan, HIV Ireland, Fiona Lyons, HSE Clinical Lead for Sexual Health, Lynn Caldwell, ACET, Jimmy Goulding, Positive Now, Aoife Ni Shuilleabhain, USI, and Hayley Mulligan, AIDSWest. Photo: Mark Stedman/Photocall Ireland

26/11/2015 Minister for Health, Leo Varadkar TD (5th from right), launches Ireland’s first National World AIDS Day (WAD) Campaign developed by NGOs and statutory bodies across Ireland in partnership with the HSE Sexual Health and Crisis Pregnancy Programme #WADirl. Pictured with Minister Varadkar are, from left, Oisin McKenna, SpunOut.ie, Jacinta Whelan, Dochas, Mick Quinlan, HSE Gay Men’s Health Service, Roisin Guiry, HSE Sexual Health and Crisis Pregnancy Programme, Niall Mulligan, HIV Ireland, Fiona Lyons, HSE Clinical Lead for Sexual Health, Lynn Caldwell, ACET, Jimmy Goulding, Positive Now, Aoife Ni Shuilleabhain, USI, and Hayley Mulligan, AIDSWest. Photo: Mark Stedman/Photocall Ireland

The focus of the Irish campaign is Solidarity with all people living with HIV, both those who know they are living with HIV, and those who don’t. The campaign will run for 5 days from 27th November 2015 until World AIDS Day on the 1st December 2015, and aims to raise awareness about the many issues that present themselves for people living with HIV and those at risk of contracting HIV.
While there has been a significant and welcome improvement in treatment and testing for HIV, concern remains regarding the number of newly diagnosed cases in Ireland. As of mid-November 2015, 427 new diagnoses of HIV have been reported by the HSE’s Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) [1].The key messages of HIV Visibility, HIV Stigma, HIV Support and HIV Knowledge are being promoted through a social media campaign on Facebook and Twitter asking people to show their solidarity with people who are living with HIV. They can do so by wearing a red ribbon, starting a conversation about HIV with friends and family, challenging HIV stigma and discrimination if they encounter it, or learning more about safer sex and getting tested for HIV. The hashtag for the campaign is #WADirl.

26/11/2015 Minister for Health, Leo Varadkar TD, launches Ireland's first National World AIDS Day (WAD) Campaign developed by NGOs and statutory bodies across Ireland in partnership with the HSE Sexual Health and Crisis Pregnancy Programme #WADirl. Pictured with Minister Varadkar are Fiona Lyons, HSE Clinical Lead for Sexual Health, and Jimmy Goulding, Positive Now. Photo: Mark Stedman/Photocall Ireland

26/11/2015 Minister for Health, Leo Varadkar TD, launches Ireland’s first National World AIDS Day (WAD) Campaign developed by NGOs and statutory bodies across Ireland in partnership with the HSE Sexual Health and Crisis Pregnancy Programme #WADirl. Pictured with Minister Varadkar are Fiona Lyons, HSE Clinical Lead for Sexual Health, and Jimmy Goulding, Positive Now. Photo: Mark Stedman/Photocall Ireland

Speaking at the launch in Dublin, Minister Varadkar said: “This is a very timely and a very positive campaign. I want to encourage everyone to embrace its theme of coming together in order to break down stigma and barriers. The number of new HIV cases is rising year on year which is a real cause for concern. My Department is currently funding a rapid HIV test in the main cities on a pilot basis, as part of the new Sexual Health Strategy. STI screening is available free of charge at 20 locations across the State. However, it’s important that we raise awareness and detect as many undiagnosed cases as we can in order to get treatment early, minimise the long-term health implications, and reduce potential new infections.”

The Lord Mayors of Dublin and Cork and Mayors of Limerick and Galway are supporting the campaign by promoting the key messages of HIV Visibility, HIV Stigma, HIV Support and HIV Knowledge. Equally, city councils and local authorities are showing their solidarity by lighting up in red, prominent buildings in cities across the country. HIV organisations and sexual health services are supporting the campaign in many ways including organised events and activities that will run throughout the campaign and into December.

Welcoming this new campaign, Lysander Preston, Chairperson of Positive Now, an all-Ireland network of people living with HIV said, “Positive Now stands in solidarity with those living with HIV and AIDS around the world. We will continue to work together to help combat the HIV related stigma and discrimination which greatly impacts on individuals living with this illness. This campaign is a significant and welcome step in raising awareness about HIV in Ireland today”.

26/11/2015 Do you know your HIV status? Minister for Health, Leo Varadkar TD, with Fiona Lyons, HSE Clinical lead for Sexual Health, getting tested for HIV as part of the National World AIDS Day (WAD) campaign #WADirl. Photo: Mark Stedman/Photocall Ireland

26/11/2015 Do you know your HIV status? Minister for Health, Leo Varadkar TD, with Fiona Lyons, HSE Clinical lead for Sexual Health, getting tested for HIV as part of the National World AIDS Day (WAD) campaign #WADirl. Photo: Mark Stedman/Photocall Ireland

Earlier this month, Irelands first National Sexual Health Strategy was published providing a national framework for sexual health & wellbeing. HIV prevention and working together to achieve this is an important aspect of this strategy. Dr. Fiona Lyons, the HSE’s Clinical Lead for Sexual Health Services said “The strategy highlights the need to address stigma and discrimination for those living with HIV and the negative impact they can have on HIV disclosure and people accessing HIV treatment and support services. Recommendations within the Strategy aim to address these issues through the promotion of positive cultural change regarding sexual health. We all have a part to play in achieving these recommendations”.

The campaign is developed by:

ACET, AIDS West, BelongTo, Concern, Dochas, Gay Health Network, GOSHH, HIV Ireland, HSE Sexual Health & Crisis Pregnancy Programme, HSE Gay Men’s Health Service, HSE Public Health, HSE Health Promotion & Improvement, HSE National Communications Division, HSE HIV/Sexual Health Helpline, Irish Family Planning Association, OutHouse, Positive Now, SpunOut.ie, the Sexual Health Centre Cork, Union of Students in Ireland.

HIV Ireland Press Release (Thursday 26th November 2015)

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Minister Varadkar launches Ireland’s first National World AIDS Day (WAD) Campaign
Show Your Solidarity #WADirl
Minister for Health, Leo Varadkar today (Thursday 26th November 2015) launched the first ever five-day national World AIDS Day campaign in Ireland. This campaign is developed by NGO’s and statutory bodies across Ireland in partnership with the HSE Sexual Health & Crisis Pregnancy Programme.
The focus of the Irish campaign is Solidarity with all people living with HIV. The campaign will run for 5 days from 27th November 2015 until World AIDS Day on the 1st December 2015, and aims to raise awareness about the many issues that present themselves for people living with HIV and those at risk of contracting HIV.
The key messages of HIV Support, HIV Knowledge, HIV Visibility, HIV Stigma and are being promoted through a social media campaign on Facebook and Twitter asking people to show their solidarity with people who are living with HIV. They can do so by wearing a red ribbon, starting a conversation about HIV with friends and family, challenging HIV stigma and discrimination if they encounter it, or learning more about safer sex and getting tested for HIV. The hashtag for the campaign is #WADirl.
While there has been a significant and welcome improvement in treatment and testing for HIV, concern remains regarding the number of newly diagnosed cases in Ireland. As of mid-November, 427 new diagnoses of HIV have been reported to the HSE’s Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) for 2015 [1].
Speaking at the launch in Dublin, Minister Varadkar said: “This is a very timely and a very positive campaign. I want to encourage everyone to embrace its theme of coming together in order to break down stigma and barriers. The number of new HIV cases is rising year on year which is a real cause for concern. My Department is currently funding a rapid HIV test in the main cities on a pilot basis, as part of the new Sexual Health Strategy. STI screening is available free of charge at 20 locations across the State. However, it’s important that we raise awareness and detect as many undiagnosed cases as we can in order to get treatment early, minimise the long-term health implications, and reduce potential new infections.”
The Lord Mayors of Dublin and Cork and Mayors of Limerick and Galway are supporting the campaign by promoting the key messages of HIV Visibility, HIV Stigma, HIV Support and HIV Knowledge. Equally, city councils and local authorities are showing their solidarity by lighting up prominent buildings in red in cities across the country. HIV organisations and sexual health services are supporting the campaign in many ways including organised events and activities that will run throughout the campaign and into December.
Welcoming this new campaign, Lysander Preston, Chairperson of Positive Now, an all-Ireland network of people living with HIV said, “Positive Now stands in solidarity with those living with HIV and AIDS around the world. We will continue to work together to help combat the HIV related stigma and discrimination which greatly impacts on individuals living with this illness. This campaign is a significant and welcome step in raising awareness about HIV in Ireland today”.
Earlier this month, Irelands first National Sexual Health Strategy was published providing a national framework for sexual health & wellbeing. HIV prevention and working together to achieve this is an important aspect of this strategy. Dr. Fiona Lyons, the HSE’s Clinical Lead for Sexual Health Services said “The strategy highlights the need to address stigma and discrimination for those living with HIV and the negative impact these issues can have on HIV disclosure and people accessing HIV treatment and support services. Recommendations within the Strategy aim to address these issues through the promotion of positive cultural change regarding sexual health. We all have a part to play in achieving these recommendations”.
The campaign is developed by:
ACET, AIDS West, BelongTo, Concern, Dochas, Gay Health Network, GOSHH, HIV Ireland, HSE Sexual Health & Crisis Pregnancy Programme, HSE Gay Men’s Health Service, HSE Public Health, HSE Health Promotion & Improvement, HSE National Communications Division, HSE HIV/Sexual Health Helpline, Irish Family Planning Association, OutHouse, Positive Now, SpunOut.ie, the Sexual Health Centre Cork, Union of Students in Ireland.

Notes to editors:
1. Preliminary analysis of data for quarters 1 and 2 of 2015 from the HSE’s Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC), show that cases are mainly occurring in men who have sex with men, heterosexuals from countries where HIV is endemic, and also people who inject drugs (PWID). In 2014 and continuing this year, an outbreak of HIV among vulnerable homeless PWID has contributed to the rise in cases. In addition, this year there has been a change in the laboratory notification process, leading to earlier detection and more cases being reported.
2. In 2014, 377 new HIV diagnoses were notified in Ireland. For further information visit http://www.hpsc.ie/A-Z/HIVSTIs/
For a list of free HIV/STI testing centres:
www.hivireland.ie/hiv/testing/free-hiv-sti-testing-centre-locator/
For further information, please contact:
HSE Press Office
Press@hse.ie
01 635 2840

HIV Ireland Press Release (29th October 2015) HIV Ireland welcomes Health Ministers launch of Irelands first National Sexual Health Strategy

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HIV Ireland has warmly welcomed the launch of Irelands first ever National Sexual Health Strategy by the Minister for Health, Leo Varadkar at The Button Factory in Temple Bar.

 

In conversation with Ray Darcy, who compered the launch, the Minister spoke about the important role the new strategy will have on the ‘need to turn the tide on increasing STI infections, including HIV’. The Minister went on to highlight the importance of, and need for, “better access to education and information” on sexual health for all.

 

Speaking after the launch, Niall Mulligan, Executive Director of HIV Ireland stated that ‘This is the first time HIV has been integrated into a broader sexual health context in Ireland. While this is welcomed by HIV Ireland, we cannot afford to become complacent. We know that certain population groups remain at greater risk of HIV infection and that HIV-related stigma and discrimination remain a significant issue for people when it comes to accessing testing, disclosing their HIV status and onward transmission. We must continually remind ourselves that as new HIV diagnoses increase in Ireland (388 new provisional diagnoses to date in 2015, an increase of 65 over this time last year – www.hpsc.ie), approximately 30% of people who are living with HIV in Ireland don’t actually know they are. The Ministers support for increased testing is key to responding to the growing HIV diagnoses in Ireland’.

 

For many years, HIV Ireland has called for the publication of a National Sexual Health Strategy. On Irish AIDS Day 2005, HIV Ireland called on the Irish Government to put sexual health on the political agenda, to develop a National Sexual Health Strategy, while reinvesting in prevention and making condoms freely available. On that very day, ten years ago, HIV Ireland organised a march from the Garden of Remembrance to Dail Eireann to lobby for a National Sexual Health Strategy and received political endorsement from a range of T.D.s including our current President, Mr. Michael D. Higgins.

 

In launching this strategy, Leo Varadkar becomes the first Health Minister in the history of the Irish state to preside over a fundamental policy shift in the way society responds to the sexual health and wellbeing of each and every citizen. By creating an openness towards sexual health, we can tackle some of the barriers that have existed for many years in relation to sex and sexual health in Ireland. Embarrassment, lack of knowledge, fear and shame have so often led to poor health outcomes, stigma and discrimination for people across Irish society, especially those affected by HIV.

 

Since 2005, HIV Ireland has been consistently involved in the development of the new strategy, and is delighted to see it come to fruition. The resourcing of the strategy is crucial and when asked about a budget to implement the strategy the Minister responded that the Department of Health “haven’t put a formal costing on it yet” but with ‘a rising health budget there will be resources made available” for implementing the strategy. HIV Ireland welcomes this commitment and looks forward to working alongside the Department of Health, the Sexual Health and Crisis Pregnancy Programme and other key stakeholders across the lifetime of the strategy.

 

For information about HIV, testing, safer sex and support please visit – www.hivireland.ie; www.man2man.ie; www.positivenow.ie

 

End

 

 

 

For further information please contact:

 

Niall Mulligan,

Executive Director

HIV Ireland

70 Eccles Street

Dublin 7

 

Mobile:  085 7457951

Tel: 01 8733799

Email: niall.mulligan@hivireland.ie

www.hivireland.ie

 

HIV Ireland Information

 

HIV Ireland is a registered charity operating at local, National and European level. The principal aim of the organisation is too improve, through a range of support services, conditions for people living with HIV and AIDS and/or Hepatitis, their families and their caregivers while further promoting sexual health in the general population.

 

Our mission and vision is to contribute towards a significant reduction in the incidence and prevalence of HIV in Ireland and towards the realisation of an AIDS-free generation by advocating for individuals living with HIV, preventing new HIV infections and combating HIV-related stigma and discrimination.

 

Since 1987 HIV Ireland (formerly Dublin AIDS Alliance) has been pioneering services in sexual health education and promotion, and has consistently engaged in lobbying and campaigning in the promotion of human rights. Our approach broadly reflects a harm minimisation model which emphasises practical rather than idealised goals. In relation to practical service provision we currently operate under two headings:

 

  1. Community Support
  • Counselling
  • 1-1 Support
  • Advocacy
  • Community Outreach Work
  • HIV & STI Community Testing
  • Capacity Building with People Living with HIV

 

  1. Prevention, Education & Training
  • One day workshops on HIV, STI’s and Sexual Health
  • Sexual Health Training for Trainers Programme (Let’s Talk About…..Safer Sex)
  • Free Condom Service (Just Carry One Campaign)
  • Social Media work and campaigning
  • Network Involvement

HIV Ireland Press Release (4th September 2015)

/in , /by

HIV Ireland welcomes Health Ministers call for additional HIV testing to cope with increasing HIV infections in Ireland

HIV Ireland has welcomed the Minister for Health, Leo Varadkar’s call for more efforts in the fight against HIV in Ireland at to-days Second Annual Health Sector Consultation event held in Dublin Castle.

 

In his opening speech, the Minister spoke about the challenges in HIV prevention and reinforced the importance of more and sustained actions on HIV testing. According to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre there has been a provisional increase of 16% in new HIV cases in Ireland in 2015 compared to this time last year (301 compared to 259). These reports also reveal that since the early 1980’s and to the end of 2014, more than 7,000 people have been newly diagnosed with HIV in Ireland.

 

HIV Ireland has been developing various actions and prevention campaigns to encourage testing and to guarantee support for people living with HIV. According to Niall Mulligan, Executive Director of HIV Ireland, “In 2014 HIV Ireland, in conjunction with St. James GUIDE Clinic provided free HIV and STI testing to over 300 people. We have also worked closely with national health institutions and other non-governments organisations to increase effective prevention, outreach and testing interventions, especially through key populations, such as men who have sex with men, migrants, young people and people who inject drugs.”

 

Niall Mulligan also highlighted the importance of all people living in Ireland knowing that ‘testing is available free of charge in more than 20 sites around the country. In fact, one of the strongest prevention weapons for everyone is to get to know your HIV status and, if diagnosed with HIV, to   begin treatment as soon as possible so as to decrease the virus activity and reduce the chance of transmission.”

 

For information about HIV, testing, safer sex and support please visit – www.hivireland.ie; www.man2man.ie; www.positivenow.ie

 

End

 

For further information please contact:

 

Niall Mulligan,

Executive Director

HIV Ireland

70 Eccles Street

Dublin 7

 

Mobile:  085 7457951

Tel: 01 8733799

Email: niall.mulligan@hivireland.ie

www.hivireland.ie

 

 

HIV Ireland Information

 

HIV Ireland is a registered charity operating at local, National and European level. The principal aim of the organisation is too improve, through a range of support services, conditions for people living with HIV and AIDS and/or Hepatitis, their families and their caregivers while further promoting sexual health in the general population.

 

Our mission and vision is to contribute towards a significant reduction in the incidence and prevalence of HIV in Ireland and towards the realisation of an AIDS-free generation by advocating for individuals living with HIV, preventing new HIV infections and combating HIV-related stigma and discrimination.

 

Since 1987 HIV Ireland (formerly Dublin AIDS Alliance) has been pioneering services in sexual health education and promotion, and has consistently engaged in lobbying and campaigning in the promotion of human rights. Our approach broadly reflects a harm minimisation model which emphasises practical rather than idealised goals. In relation to practical service provision we currently operate under two headings:

 

  1. Community Support

 

  • Counselling
  • 1-1 Support
  • Advocacy
  • Community Outreach Work
  • HIV & STI Community Testing
  • Capacity Building with People Living with HIV

 

  1. Prevention, Education & Training

 

  • One day workshops on HIV, STI’s and Sexual Health
  • Sexual Health Training for Trainers Programme (Let’s Talk About…..Safer Sex)
  • Free Condom Service (Just Carry One Campaign)
  • Social Media work and campaigning
  • Network Involvement

Launch of National Hepatitis C Awareness Week 27 July 2015

/in /by

ICONIC PERFORMER MARIANNE FAITHFULL JOINS THE HIGH HOPES CHOIR FOR HEP C AWARENESS CAMPAIGN

Press release Monday July 27th 2015

ICONIC PERFORMER MARIANNE FAITHFULL JOINS THE HIGH HOPES CHOIR FOR HEP C AWARENESS CAMPAIGN

Marianne, who has hepatitis C, and Minister Aodhán Ó Ríordáin to kick off the first ever National Hepatitis C Awareness Week at event in Smock Alley Theatre
‘Cure This’ national roadshow to visit Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Athlone this week – organised by Community Response, HIV Ireland and UISCE (Union for Improved Services Communication and Education)
Press release

Monday July 27th 2015

Today marks the first day in a week-long awareness campaign for a much misunderstood disease, hepatitis C. Iconic singer and actress Marianne Faithfull caught a practice session with the High Hopes Choir ahead of a hepatitis C awareness-raising performance tonight at the Smock Alley Theatre.

The performance by the High Hopes choir – Ireland’s only choir made up of people who have been affected directly by homelessness – is just one of several awareness events planned for the first ever National Hepatitis C Awareness Week. Marianne, who has hepatitis C, will be joined by Minister Aodhán Ó Ríordáin in speaking at the Smock Alley event tonight in an effort to increase awareness of the disease and encourage people to avail of free testing.

The first ever awareness week for hepatitis C is being backed by three community groups – Community Response, HIV Ireland and UISCE (Union for Improved Services Communication and Education). All three groups work with those living in Ireland infected with hepatitis C, primarily in the Dublin City Centre area. However, the groups recognise that there is a pressing need to increase awareness in other urban areas with significant hepatitis C problems. It is estimated that between 20,000 and 30,000 people across Ireland could have undiagnosed hepatitis C. To reach those people the three community groups have partnered with other regional support groups to organise awareness events across the country this week.

World Hepatitis Day is traditionally celebrated on July 28th and was selected as the perfect time for the awareness week to coincide, with a national roadshow due to visit Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Athlone. A specially created eye-catching ‘Big Green C’ prop will travel to these areas this week and be placed in public spaces to help educate people and encourage those who may be at risk of contracting hepatitis C, or who may have the disease and be unaware of this, to get tested.

Official ambassador for the Awareness Week Marianne Faithfull is well aware of the difficulties facing those living with hepatitis C. Commenting at this morning’s launch, Marianne said;

“It is a pleasure to be in Dublin today to launch this very important awareness week for hepatitis C. Living with any disease is always a challenge, but the stigma associated with hepatitis C makes for an especially difficult journey for those affected. That is why I wanted to get involved and share my story and experience of living with hepatitis C – it is only through talking about hepatitis C and breaking down some of the untruths that exist about the illness will we begin to educate people. I urge anyone concerned about hepatitis C to get involved in this week’s events and get as much information as you can.”

Minister Ó Ríordáin, who is also supporting the work of the three community groups, stressed the importance of raising awareness to at-risk groups;

“I’m delighted to be here today as part of the launch of the National Hepatitis C Awareness Week. I think campaign weeks like this are vital to help challenge the stigma around diseases like hepatitis C and to raise awareness in encouraging people to get tested. I would encourage anyone with concerns to take a test because early intervention is crucial in allowing people with hepatitis to receive the treatment that they need. It is also important that service providers have up to date information on how to treat someone who is at risk, or has, hepatitis C, which is again why testing is so crucial. I hope the upcoming week is a success and I wish all of the organisers well.”

The two metre tall Big Green C, created especially to symbolise the magnitude of the disease, will raise awareness and promote the ‘Cure This’ message in Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Athlone throughout the week with a number of events planned in each area by local support groups and service providers. The National Hepatitis C Awareness Week roadshow will visit the following locations around Ireland in participation with local support groups this week:

Monday July 27th – North Earl Street, Dublin, with SAOL Project (Stability, Ability, Work and Learning), from 12pm – 2pm
Tuesday July 28th – The Open Door Project, Parnell Square, Athlone, with Merchants Quay Ireland, from 12pm – 2pm
Wednesday July 29th – Bedford Row, Limerick, with GOSHH (Gender Orientation Sexual Health HIV), from 12pm – 3pm
Thursday July 30th – Grand Parade (outside the old Capital Cinema), Cork, with Cork Drug and Alcohol Task Force and the Southern Regional Drug and Alcohol Task Force, from 12pm – 2pm.
As well as marking the start of the National Awareness Week activity, today also sees the launch of The Hepatitis C Partnership. Explaining the launch of the new Partnership, Nicola Perry, Manager of Community Response, said: “The Hepatitis C Partnership (HCP) is a newly formed collaboration of interested stakeholders in the area of hepatitis C – specifically promoting testing, advocating for equitable access to treatment and promoting prevention messages. We especially encourage partnerships of service providers, and it has been fantastic to work with regional service providers on this first ever awareness week to support them with their own awareness activities and events. We hope that people will use our website, www.HepInfo.ie, to get support, find services and be part of our work in this area.”

Ms Perry added; “We would like to thank both Marianne Faithfull and Minister Ó Ríordáin for being here today, their support is greatly appreciated. The Irish government has made encouraging strides in the area of hepatitis C this year which is most welcome, and we hope that this positive momentum and resourcing will continue into the future.”

Also commenting at today’s launch was Emily Reaper of UISCE, who reiterated the call on those concerned about hepatitis C to take that first step and get tested: “As a person with hepatitis C, I understand better than most how scary it can be to have confirmation that you are actually sick. But once you have taken that first step and been tested, you can get the support and help that you need. It has been very heartening this year to partner with the various regional service providers who work every day with those living with Hep C – this is not just a Dublin problem, this awareness week and the launch of the Hepatitis C Partnership will hopefully be the first steps towards initiating a national discussion about this burden.”

Niall Mulligan, Director of HIV Ireland, added: “If we can get one message through this week to anyone who may be concerned about hepatitis C, it is to get tested. Hepatitis C is transmitted from person-to-person through blood-to-blood contact and can be transmitted in a number of ways that people are not aware of. It is commonly believed that hepatitis C is exclusively a consequence of sharing needles but this is not the case. Other ways it can be transmitted include acupuncture, body modifications such as tattooing, piercing, steroids, Botox and tanning injections, in cases where the equipment used was not sterilised properly after being used on an infected person.1 If you are concerned, please visit HepInfo.ie to find out where you can get tested.”

The first ever National Hepatitis C Awareness Week is supported by the biopharmaceutical company AbbVie. To get involved in the campaign, take part in an awareness event, or to get more information on hepatitis C and testing, please visit www.HepInfo.ie.

ENDS

For further information please contact:

Lorraine Cronin or Andrew Shaw, First Medical Communications

lcronin@firstmedical.ie 087 773 0361 (LC) or ashaw@firstmedical.ie 087 752 5445 (AS)

Notes to Editors:

About hepatitis C:

Hepatitis C is a viral infection that affects the liver, causing it to become inflamed and not work as effectively in the body.2 Hepatitis C is a serious chronic illness that requires treatment, and is a curable disease for most. Hepatitis C testing is free at public testing clinics.2

You can get hepatitis C through contact with an infected person’s blood.2 The only way to know if you have hepatitis C is to get tested.2 Untreated hepatitis C can cause serious health problems, such as liver disease.2 Hepatitis C will not go away in about 4 out of every 5 people who become infected – it will become chronic and will require treatment.2

References

HSE, National Hepatitis C Strategy, 2011-2014
Www.HepInfo.ie

About Community Response

Community Response was established in 1990, based in the Liberties in the South Inner City of Dublin and provides a comprehensive programme for primary alcohol and hepatitis C services. It offers a range of services in relation to hepatitis C, group support and education, one-to-one support and referral pathways to treatment. It also provides structured programmes for those affected by alcohol misuse and support for family members.

About HIV Ireland

HIV Ireland is a registered charity operating at local, National and European level. The principal aim of the organisation is to improve, through a range of support services, conditions for people living with HIV and Hepatitis, their families and their caregivers while further promoting sexual health in the general population.

Our mission and vision is to contribute towards a significant reduction in the incidence and prevalence of HIV in Ireland and towards the realisation of an AIDS-free generation by advocating for individuals living with HIV, preventing new HIV infections and combating HIV-related stigma and discrimination.

Since 1987 HIV Ireland (formerly Dublin AIDS Alliance) has been pioneering services in sexual health education and promotion, and has consistently engaged in lobbying and campaigning in the promotion of human rights. Our approach broadly reflects a harm minimisation model which emphasises practical rather than idealised goals. For more information visit www.hivireland.ie

About UISCE

UISCE (Union for Improved Services Communication and Education) are an advocacy and lobby group for drug users is based in the North Inner City. UISCE work to ensure that those in need of services have their voice heard by policy-makers and practitioners. UISCE represent the voice of drug users both locally and nationally. Key activities include highlighting relevant issues affecting drug users and users of drug service gathering and disseminating information to relevant bodies and facilitating the participation of drug users in local structures to improve access to, and quality of, services in the local area.

About AbbVie

AbbVie is a global research-based biopharmaceutical company formed in 2013 following separation from Abbott. It employs more than 400 people at five manufacturing and commercial sites across Ireland. The company’s commercial headquarters is based in Dublin, as is a European manufacturing and engineering services headquarters. AbbVie has two manufacturing plants in Sligo and one in Cork. The company’s mission is to use its expertise, dedicated people and unique approach to innovation to develop and market advanced therapies that address some of the world’s most complex and serious diseases. Together with its wholly-owned subsidiary, Pharmacyclics, AbbVie employs more than 28,000 people worldwide and markets medicines in more than 170 countries.

For further information on the company and its people, portfolio and commitments, please visit www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on Twitter or view careers on our Facebook or LinkedIn page.

Print

HIV Ireland Press Release for National Hepatitis C Awareness Week-14 July 2015

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Three community groups working on behalf of people living in Ireland infected with hepatitis C came together today to launch the first National Hepatitis C Awareness Week, which will take place from July 27th to 31st.

Follow the Big Green C for the first ever National Hepatitis C Awareness Week

‘Cure This’ national roadshow aims to raise awareness of the disease and encourage greater levels of testing

Service Providers across the country urged to get involved and hold their own local awareness events

Press Release

Monday July 13th

Three community groups working on behalf of people living in Ireland infected with hepatitis C came together today to launch the first National Hepatitis C Awareness Week, which will take place from July 27th to 31st.

Community Response, HIV Ireland and UISCE are encouraging those concerned about hepatitis C, and those working with people living with hepatitis C, to get involved in the awareness events planned for the week and get informed about this often misunderstood disease. All three groups provide support and advocate on behalf of people with blood borne viruses.

The awareness week, which coincides with World Hepatitis Day on July 28th, will see a number of special awareness events take place in Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Athlone. A ‘Big Green C’ will travel to these areas to educate the public and encourage those who may be at risk of contracting hepatitis C, or who may have the disease and be unaware of this, to get tested.

The community groups are also calling on service providers across the country who want to hold events to mark the week to get in contact and sign up to participate. A specially created Events Pack is available for all service providers through the three community groups and for download at www.HepInfo.ie.

Hepatitis C is transmitted from person to person through blood-to-blood contact. While some falsely believe that this is exclusively a consequence of sharing needles, there are many other ways that the virus can be transmitted, including unscreened infected blood and blood products (in countries without screening processes in place), needle stick injuries, acupuncture, body modification such as tattooing, piercing, steroids, Botox and tanning injections, where equipment used was not sterilised properly after being used on an infected person.1

Nicola Perry, Manager of Community Response said: “Hepatitis C is a vastly misunderstood illness and can be life threatening if left untreated. At Community Response we provide support for those infected with hepatitis C, particularly in inner city Dublin. But this is not just a Dublin problem. That is why we made the decision this year to take the campaign across the country to other urban areas to increase awareness, and we hope that as many service providers as possible from all over the country will get in touch with us to organise their own local awareness events.”

The two metre tall Big Green C, created especially to symbolise the magnitude of the disease, will raise awareness and promote the ‘Cure This’ message in Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Athlone throughout the week with a number of events already planned in each area by local support groups. The National Hepatitis C Awareness Week roadshow will visit the following locations around Ireland in participation with local support groups:

    • Monday July 27th – North Earl Street, Dublin, with SAOL Project(Stability, Ability, Work and Learning)
    • Tuesday July 28th – Parnell Square, Athlone, with Merchants Quay Ireland
    • Wednesday July 29th – Bedford Row, Limerick, with GOSHH (Gender Orientation Sexual Health HIV)
    • Thursday July 30th – Top of the Grand Parade, Cork, with Cork Drug and Alcohol Task Force and Southern Regional Drug and Alcohol Task Force.

Special event

A very special event will take place in Dublin on July 27th next to officially kick off the week. This will involve a performance from the High Hopes Choir. The High Hopes Choir is Ireland’s first ever choir to be made up of people who are directly affected by homelessness and the activities and profile of this remarkable organisation has been increasing regularly in recent times.

Speaking at the launch of the national awareness roadshow was Niall Mulligan, Director of HIV Ireland: “It is estimated that between 20,000 and 30,000 people in Ireland, right now, have hepatitis C and don’t know it. It is so easy to get tested, and to get treated. You just need to take that first step.  We urge anyone who is concerned about hepatitis C to contact us immediately for support and information on how and where to get tested.  Making that first step is crucial.”

The first ever National Hepatitis C Awareness Week is supported by the biopharmaceutical company AbbVie. To get involved in the campaign, take part in an awareness event, or to get more information on hepatitis C and testing, please visit www.HepInfo.ie. Service providers are strongly encouraged to get in contact to organise their own events across the country – to organise a local event for National Hepatitis C Week please download the specially created events pack available here.

Emily Reaper of UISCE, added: “Sometimes people may not recognise that they have symptoms during the early stages of hepatitis C, which makes this such a deadly virus. It is important for people to be more aware of hepatitis C and we hope that this National Week of events will help to break the stigma that surrounds it. If you are concerned please reach out to us using www.HepInfo.ie – there is help and support available for everyone.”

ENDS

For further information please contact:

Andrew Shaw or Lorraine Cronin, First Medical Communicationsashaw@firstmedical.ie

087 752 5445 (AS) or lcronin@firstmedical.ie 087 773 0361 (LC)

Notes to Editors:

About hepatitis C:

Hepatitis C is a viral infection that affects the liver, causing it to become inflamed and not work as effectively in the body.2 Hepatitis C is a serious chronic illness that requires treatment, and is a curable disease for most. Hepatitis C testing is free at public testing clinics.2

You can get hepatitis C through contact with an infected person’s blood.2 The only way to know if you have hepatitis C is to get tested.2 Untreated hepatitis C can cause serious health problems, such as liver disease.2 Hepatitis C will not go away in about 4 out of every 5 people who become infected – it will become chronic and will require treatment.2

References

    1. HSE, National Hepatitis C Strategy, 2011-2014
    1. Www.HepInfo.ie

About Community Response

Community Response was established in 1990, based in the Liberties in the South Inner City of Dublin and provides a comprehensive programme for primary alcohol and hepatitis C services. It offers a range of services in relation to hepatitis C, group support, one-to-one support and referral pathways to treatment. It also provides structured programmes for those affected by alcohol misuse, and support for family members.

About HIV Ireland

HIV Ireland is a registered charity operating at local, National and European level. The principal aim of the organisation is to improve, through a range of support services, conditions for people living with HIV and Hepatitis, their families and their caregivers while further promoting sexual health in the general population.

Our mission and vision is to contribute towards a significant reduction in the incidence and prevalence of HIV in Ireland and towards the realisation of an AIDS-free generation by advocating for individuals living with HIV, preventing new HIV infections and combating HIV-related stigma and discrimination.

Since 1987 HIV Ireland (formerly Dublin AIDS Alliance) has been pioneering services in sexual health education and promotion, and has consistently engaged in lobbying and campaigning in the promotion of human rights. Our approach broadly reflects a harm minimisation model which emphasises practical rather than idealised goals.  For more information visit www.hivireland.ie

About UISCE

The Union for Improved Services Communication and Education (UISCE), an advocacy and lobby group for drug users is based in the North Inner City. UISCE work to ensure that those in need of services have their voice heard by policy-makers and practitioners. UISCE represent the voice of drug users both locally and nationally. Key activities include highlighting relevant issues affecting drug users and users of drug service gathering and disseminating information to relevant bodies and facilitating the participation of drug users in local structures to improve access to, and quality of, services in the local area.

About AbbVie

AbbVie is a global research-based biopharmaceutical company formed in 2013 following separation from Abbott. It employs more than 400 people at five manufacturing and commercial sites across Ireland. The company’s commercial headquarters is based in Dublin, as is a European manufacturing and engineering services headquarters. AbbVie has two manufacturing plants in Sligo and one in Cork. The company’s mission is to use its expertise, dedicated people and unique approach to innovation to develop and market advanced therapies that address some of the world’s most complex and serious diseases. Together with its wholly-owned subsidiary, Pharmacyclics, AbbVie employs more than 28,000 people worldwide and markets medicines in more than 170 countries.

For further information on the company and its people, portfolio and commitments, please visit www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on Twitter or view careers on our Facebook or LinkedIn page.

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