Government moves to tackle surge in sexually transmitted infections

30th October 2015

The Government has announced plans for free access to medical testing to meet a surge in sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.

According to RTÉ, between 1995 and 2013, rates for STIs increased from 3,361 to 12,753, with the greatest rates of infection being among those aged under 25 and among men having sex with men. Infections such as HIV, Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea all showed increases. In 2013 alone, 344 people were diagnosed with HIV in Ireland.

Concerned at the increases, the Government has now announced a six-year strategy which is to offer free and more widespread access to rapid HIV testing. As part of this, Health Minister Leo Varadkar (pictured) announced that a pilot project for Dublin is to receive €150,000, while further services for Limerick and Cork would follow.

Under the terms of the scheme, testing will be provided by non-governmental organisations, while a 12-month pilot testing programme for gay and bisexual men will be delivered by the Gay and Lesbian Equality Network.

Announcing the plans on RTÉ Radio, the minister stressed his belief that access to contraception and emergency contraception is key to tackling the increasing STI rates. Taking aim at Catholic schools on the matter, the minister added that, while Catholic schools might not want to discuss contraception with pupils, he believed that schools and parents had a responsibility to inform their children, especially as earlier concerns over HIV have waned.

However, he acknowledged that abstinence would reduce the incidence of STIs.

The Iona Institute
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