Ireland

The Problem

The first case of AIDS in Ireland was recorded in 1981 and over the next 20 years those most at risk of HIV were Intravenous Drug Users (IDUs) in Dublin, making up 70% of those infected in 1999. In 2008 50-60% of those attending St James clinic in Dublin were heterosexual (mostly female and of African origin), 30% IDUs and 20% gay men (1).  There are now around 3,000 people diagnosed with HIV throughout Ireland, with half those newly diagnosed needing and receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) straight away (2). 

Ireland is a developed country with a strong economy and state support system for those in financial need, including asylum seekers and refugees. There are also plans in place to improve treatment, care and employment opportunities for new communities. There are a number of organisations meeting the practical and emotional needs of people diagnosed with HIV, in Dublin and Cork. There is also a new HIV and AIDS Education and Prevention Plan, which highlights all the actions needed in Ireland.

Our Response

 EJAF began funding in Ireland in 1997 and since then has supported organisations that have become sustainable from funding within Ireland. Cairde (meaning friend) tackles health inequalities among ethnic minority communities and has received 5 grants from EJAF in total. This support enabled Cairde to engage with minority communities and as a result the organisation secured funding from the Irish Government to continue and develop work with women.

EJAF has also supported organisations based in Ireland and Northern Ireland to deliver all Ireland projects. One outcome of funding to the Rainbow Project in Belfast for rural and cross border development, was the launch of the All Ireland Charter of Rights for people living with HIV at Dublin castle in June 2006.

Following a recent review of funding in Ireland the Foundation would like to focus on specific areas of work over the next three years to leave a lasting legacy. As treatment has improved, HIV in Ireland has become a manageable long term condition for many people living with HIV and the Foundation would therefore like to help people in Ireland benefit from skills to help manage HIV in the long term.

Some people living with HIV and organisations representing the views of people living with HIV were involved in working with the National AIDS Strategy Committee to produce the HIV and AIDS Education and Prevention Plan 2008 – 2012, which was launched in June 2008. The Foundation wants to support people living with HIV to become strong advocates involved with the implementation of these plans.

In Ireland people who use injecting drug equipment continue to be at risk of HIV and hepatitis, especially outside Dublin where Needle Exchange Services (NEX) are not easily accessible. The Foundation would like to improve access to NEX in areas where there are communities at risk of HIV and hepatitis.

1. Dr Colm Bergin, St James hospital, Dublin, April 2008
2. University College Dublin News, May 2008