Gay Irishmen ‘shun’ friends who admit they’ve contracted the virus – See more at: http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/health/hiv-positive-men-treated-like-lepers-tcd-study-30531582.html#sthash.iZ9QcT7h.dpuf

Attached, please find a copy of the IMB

Safety Notice SN2014(25) in relation to Illegal “iCARE” self test kits (including HIV self tests), for your information.

SN201425_FutureVentures_iCAREHIVtests_CP20456_150514

The theme of this year’s SHAW is Communication and Sexual Health because honest, supportive and inclusive communication is vital when it comes to our sexual health and sexuality. Speakers at SHAW will talk about how to have effective and positive conversations about relationships and sexuality with children, partners, older people, caregivers and people with an intellectual disability, whether it’s at home or in a professional setting.

Some SHAW workshops for professionals will deal with sensitive issues, such as the sexual health and education needs of young people in care, practitioners’ obligations in reporting child protection concerns, and preventing sexual violence.

Below are just some of the SHAW events and workshops that are taking place, and available to book into now. Please note the ICGP/RCPI joint session for GPs on managing STIs in General Practice is now fully booked.

http://www.rcpi.ie/content/docs/000001/1349_5_media.pdf

IV treatment in the coming years will include novel antiretroviral agents and new formulations such as long-acting injectables, as well as

new strategies aimed at improving adherence and minimizing side effects, according to a lecture at last week at the 14th European AIDS Conference in Brussels.

http://www.hivandhepatitis.com/hiv-aids/hiv-aids-topics/hiv-treatment/4368-eacs-2013-future-hiv-care-will-include-novel-antiretroviral-drugs-and-new-treatment-strategies

A young gay man says he has been the victim of discrimination by the Irish Blood Transfusion Service, after he was asked to attend a meeting to answer questions about his sexual life and was then told to stop donating blood until he had received written confirmation he could continue.

The IBTS has a lifetime ban from donating blood on any man who has ever had oral sex or anal sex with another man. This is, the blood banks says, to protect the blood supply. Potential donors are asked to fill in a “health and lifestyle questionnaire” to assess eligibility to donate. Among those who can never give blood in Ireland are anyone who has been an intravenous drug-user, anyone who has spent more than a year in the United Kingdom between 1980 and 1996 and men who have sex with men (MSM).

http://www.irishtimes.com/news/health/gay-man-alleges-prejudice-by-blood-bank-1.1505419

People with HIV continue to experience stigma,

discrimination and isolation, according to the manager of AIDS West.

John Flannery’s comments came as the organisation marked Irish AIDS day recently by taking to the streets distributing red ribbons to the public. These were used to show solidarity with people living with HIV and in memory of those who have died from the virus. A large red ribbon was on display at many iconic sites throughout the city.

This special day began more 20 years ago when Ireland was “a bit of a backwater” compared to most other European countries when it came to the whole area of sex, he said.

http://www.advertiser.ie/galway/article/62121/people-with-hiv-still-experience-discrimination

WEAR A RED RIBBON

For Saturday the 15^th June , IRISH AIDS DAY

AIDS West will be on the streets of the city this Saturday distributing red ribbons and creating awareness by asking people wear a red ribbon.

According to Evelyn Stephens co- founder of AIDS West “Irish AIDS Day all started over 20 years ago as a way of trying to raise awareness of the issue of AIDS and as a much needed fundraiser for the organisations nationwide. We we’re always trying to get publicity on local radio and papers, which wasn’t that easy at the time.

John Flannery, manager of AIDS WEST says that “back then Ireland was bit of a backwater compared to most other European countries when it came to the whole area of sex. Contraception was still only by prescription, sex outside marriage “didn’t happen”( or that’s what people wanted to believe) and sex between same sex couples was a criminal offence. So to highlight the treat that HIV held for Irish society and maybe help break down barriers , the national HIV Support Network ( of which AIDS West is a member) and other groups working in the field decided that having an Irish AIDS Day would help create greater awareness around HIV issue says. Today this issue is as relevant as ever. The most recent figures show that there were 341 new diagnosis of HIV reported in 2012 , that’s almost one person a day in Ireland being infected . This represents

a 7% increase on the previous year. So Irish AIDS Day brings awareness about HIV to public awareness. One thing that remains constant over the years is stigma, discrimination and isolation experienced by people living with HIV”.

AIDS West, based in Galway provides vital information , education and support in relation to HIV/AIDS and all aspects of sexual health.

For more information and services call (091) 566 266 or email info@aidswest.ie or you can down load our APP for free called “the sexual health guide”

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Vaccine did not prevent HIV infection: non-significant increase in infections in vaccine recipients