HIV Diagnoses Down in Ireland, Late Diagnoses Remain a Concern
While new HIV diagnoses in Ireland are down compared to pre-pandemic levels, almost four in ten cases are being diagnosed late, according to the latest figures from the HSE.
In 2023, there were 173 new HIV diagnoses in Ireland, a rate of 3.4 per 100,000 population. This represents a 15 percent decrease compared to pre-pandemic years.
Trend of Late Diagnosis Remains a Concern
The overall trend shows a downward trajectory in new cases. New diagnoses plummeted to 123 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, before climbing to 127 and 169 in 2021 and 2022 respectively.
Troublingly, almost 40 percent of first-time diagnoses were made late, with substandard knowledge and delayed access to care posing particular challenges for heterosexual individuals.
In 2023, out of the 911 total HIV diagnoses reported, the majority (61 percent) involved individuals already living with the virus.
Another 20 percent of cases, the diagnosis history remains unknown, emphasizing the potential for ongoing undiagnosed infections.
Increasingly, Ireland is seeing a rising number of patients diagnosed with HIV who were already diagnosed elsewhere. “Although individuals diagnosed abroad may not have benefitted from Irish prevention programs, it is vital they promptly access HIV care upon arrival. This ensures their wellbeing and prevents onward transmission,” highlighted a health official.
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ncludes an influential role, aiming to increase awareness. This year, the theme ‘Take the rights path’, underpinned the need to prioritize human rights for all to effectively combat the epidemic.
Modern HIV treatment can enable those living with HIV to have a similar life expectancy to the
general population, significantly reducing transmission, however timely access to medicines remains crucial.
Outlining key healthcare recommendations, including
The HSE continues to offer both in-person and at-home testing for HIV and other STIs. These services are free and readily accessible through a dedicated website:
Information and support are also available through various healthcare providers such as STI clinics and general practitioners, encouraging proactive testing.
What initiatives are being implemented in Ireland to increase awareness about HIV testing, particularly within at-risk groups?
## Interview: Fighting HIV in Ireland
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Today, we’re discussing the latest figures on HIV diagnoses in Ireland. Joining us to shed some light on the situation is Dr. [Guest Name], an expert in infectious diseases. Dr. [Guest Name], thanks for being with us.
**Dr. [Guest Name]:** It’s a pleasure to be here.
**Host:** The recent data from the HSE showed a 15 percent decrease in new HIV diagnoses compared to pre-pandemic levels. That sounds like good news. Can you elaborate on this trend?
**Dr. [Guest Name]:** Yes, it’s encouraging to see the downward trajectory in new cases in Ireland. This could be due to a variety of factors, including increased awareness of HIV prevention methods, wider access to testing, and effective treatments that allow people living with HIV to lead healthy lives and reduce transmission.
**Host:** However, the report also raised concerns about the high number of late diagnoses. Almost 40 percent of cases are being diagnosed late. What are the implications of this?
**Dr. [Guest Name]:** Late diagnosis is a serious issue because it means that individuals are living with HIV undiagnosed, potentially unknowingly transmitting the virus, and missing out on timely access to treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for improving individual health outcomes and reducing onward transmission.
**(Host):** Undoubtedly, the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on healthcare access. What role do you think it played in these trends?
**Dr. [Guest Name]:** The pandemic undoubtedly disrupted healthcare services, including HIV testing and treatment. We saw a significant drop in new diagnoses in 2020, likely due to lockdowns and access limitations. While numbers have since rebounded, the pandemic may have contributed to a delay in testing and diagnosis for some individuals.
**Host:** So, what steps can be taken to address the issue of late diagnosis?
**Dr. [Guest Name]:** There are several things we can do. Increasing awareness about HIV testing and promoting regular check-ups for at-risk groups are crucial. We need to make testing more accessible and remove any stigma or barriers associated with it.
**Host:** Thank you so much for sharing your expertise, Dr. [Guest Name]. It’s clear that while we’ve made progress in tackling HIV in Ireland, there’s still work to be done.
**Dr. [Guest Name]:** Absolutely. We need to continue to invest in prevention, testing, and treatment to ensure that everyone in Ireland has the opportunity to live long and healthy lives.