Speaking on World Aids Day, Seán Crowe called on the government to increase provision for HIV screening within mainstream healthcare.

His comments also follow the release of results from a radical new screening programme, in which almost three in every thousand people have tested positive for HIV.

Seán Crowe stated:

“These alarming figures collected from men and women of all ages and risk groups exceed the one in one thousand rate recommended by international standards.

“There have been great strides made in recent years surrounding the stigma attached to HIV. Given the figures released in this report, we cannot be complacent or believe that this illness has gone away.”

“We must constantly be proactive in supporting prevention awareness programmes for HIV. These programmes must be sustained and given the proper funding to help stop an epidemic in its tracks and put in place the caring support services necessary for those suffering with HIV.

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