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The late diagnosis of HIV/AIDS
continues to be a “serious problem” in Ireland, despite progress in medical
treatment for HIV-infected persons. Persons who are diagnosed late do not
respond as well to treatment as those whose status is determined early in the
infection. The Health Protection Surveillance Centre reported 248 cases of HIV
thus far in 2012, which represents a 3 percent increase over last year.
Anna Quigley, Director of the Dublin
AIDs Alliance, attributes the increase in HIV incidence to lingering stigma
that makes HIV-infected persons reluctant to share their status. Sexual
transmission has also surpassed drug use as the most frequent source of
infection in Ireland. To prevent HIV transmission and increase early detection,
Quigley urged that the government adopt and fund the National Sexual Health
Strategy by mid-2013.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is
dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and
empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV
virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
