Kilkenny Castle lights up for World Aids Day
Event highlights and remembers 9000 with acquired HIV on the 40th anniversary of Ireland's first case
OPW Kilkenny Castle will light up red tonight to join the #GLOWRED campaign for #WorldAIDSDay.
The campaign is spearheaded by HIV Ireland. This year, the event will mark the 40th Anniversary of the first cases of HIV and AIDS in Ireland, 1982. Since then, more than 9,000 people living in Ireland have acquired HIV.
Recently, despite significant advances in prevention and treatment, the number of newly notified cases of HIV continue to rise. Tackling HIV related stigma helps to reduce rates of HIV transmission.
HIV Ireland has today called for increased investment in nationwide sexual health services, including personnel and resources, to ensure Ireland can meet its global commitment to end new HIV transmissions. Statistics published weekly by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre indicate that more than 750 cases of HIV have been notified in 2022, which is double the number for the same period in 2021. However, despite the increase in notifications, falling rates of new transmissions occurring within Ireland give cause for optimism.
For more information see https://www.hivireland.ie/