HSE launches new campaign to address HIV stigma - Kilkenny Live

The HSE in partnership with people living with HIV, has launched ‘You, Me and HIV,’ a new nationwide campaign to address misconceptions around HIV and help reduce the stigma experienced by people living with HIV.

The campaign features people living with HIV and their loved ones. The campaign was developed by the HSE in close collaboration with people living with HIV and community and voluntary groups.

Research has found that late diagnosis is often related to fear of diagnosis and stigma, highlighting the need to reduce stigma around HIV and testing. The latest figures from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) show a decrease in the rate of first-time HIV diagnoses in Ireland in 2023. However, nearly two in five people (39%) were diagnosed late.

Knowing your HIV status allows you to get access to essential treatment and care to live a healthy life. Advancements in treatment for HIV, mean that people on effective treatment cannot pass HIV to sexual partners. In a recent survey, 71% of Irish adults were unaware of these advances in treatment. In addition, effective treatment in pregnancy prevents HIV transmission to babies.

HIV activists, and ‘Poz Vibes’ podcast creators Enda McGrattan, also known as drag star Veda Lady, and Robbie Lawlor, are among the people involved in the campaign. Veda explains why a change is needed,

“We need to bring healing to the community, honour our past by ending HIV stigma and also ending HIV. Our main message is the scientific fact that once on effective treatment we can’t pass HIV on. We still need to get that message out, loud and clear to the general public but I think things are finally changing in Ireland, and I feel honoured to be a part of that movement.”

Robbie, says, “We have partnered with the HSE to let everyone know there is nothing shameful about living with HIV. Like anyone else, with effective treatment, we can live long, happy lives and there is zero chance that we can pass on HIV to our sexual partners.”

In the advertising campaign, people living with HIV and their loved ones, share their experiences of living with HIV, what it’s meant for their relationship and what they have learned in the process.

Acknowledging the support and important role of each person taking part in the campaign, Prof Fiona Lyons, National Clinical Lead, HSE Sexual Health Programme, looks to the future and what the campaign set out to achieve, 

“Thanks to the generosity, bravery and passion of those taking part, we are confident that ‘You, Me and HIV’ will make a real and lasting impact on the HIV-related stigma that persists in Ireland today.

“Through sharing their real life experiences, advice and reassurance it helps us address misconceptions, and helps ensure the wider public has the most up to date facts and information about HIV. Additionally, we hope the campaign will alleviate fears about getting tested for HIV or seeking treatment. Please do not delay, we are here to help you. You deserve to live a healthy and happy life like everyone else.”

For more resources on HIV see hse.ie/HIV