385 new HIV cases over five year period
Health Minister Edwin Poots said measures to stop the spread of the HIV virus were being taken forward by the multi-agency Sexual Health Improvement Network.
The network is chaired by the Public Health Agency (PHA), which supports the actions in the Department of Health’s Sexual Health Promotion Strategy.
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Hide AdMr Poots said that between 2007 and 2011 there were 385 new cases.
The Minister stated: “Actions include: raising public awareness of preventative measures to reduce the risk of HIV; provision of community based and outreach preventative programmes, particularly for those most at risk; training in HIV awareness; provision of testing services coupled with information on safe sex practices at Genitourinary Medicine Clinics; and the offer of a HIV screening test for all pregnant women.
“In addition, my Department core funds a number of voluntary organisations that provide ongoing education and support in relation to HIV/AIDS and sexual health matters.”