HIV Ireland calls on Government to publish a National Action Plan

HIV Ireland is urging the Government to honour its Programme for Government pledge to publish a National HIV Action Plan, warning that without clear timelines and accountability, Ireland risks falling short of its goal to end new HIV transmissions by 2030. 

The call came as part of the HIV Ireland and Fast Track Cities UK & Ireland National HIV Conference, ‘Towards a National Action Plan for HIV in Ireland’, which took place at the Aisling Hotel in Dublin on Monday 29 September.

HIV Ireland Executive Director Mr Stephen O’Hare said: “We have the knowledge and tools to end new HIV transmissions. What we need now is political will and leadership. A National HIV Action Plan, informed by both clinical and community expertise, with specific targets and oversight, is the only way Ireland can meet its UNAIDS commitment to end new transmissions by 2030.” 

The conference brought together leading experts from Ireland and the UK.

They included head of University College Dublin’s Centre for Experimental Pathogen and Host Research’s Infectious Disease Specialist Prof Patrick Mallon; Sussex-based Irish Clinical Professor and Consultant in HIV Medicine and Sexual Health Prof Yvonne Gilleece; and UK Government advisor on HIV and Chair of the HIV Action Plan Implementation Group for England Prof Kevin Fenton, as well as people living with HIV and advocates.

The conference aimed to share best practice and effective initiatives on prevention, testing, and combatting HIV related stigma to focus on turning the government’s promise into action. 

In June, Ireland published an updated National Sexual Health Strategy 2025-2035. The strategy commits to developing a HIV action plan and model of care. A similar plan is in place in England, which was published in 2021. 

Speaking of the success of the national HIV plans in England, Scotland and Wales Prof Yvonne Gilleece said: “The experience across the UK demonstrates how a structured, evidence-based plan can lead to measurable improvements in HIV prevention and treatment outcomes. Developing a similar framework in Ireland is critical if the stated goal of ending new transmissions by 2030 is to be realised.” 

Prof Patrick Mallon said: “In recent decades, advances in testing, treatment and prevention have substantially changed the trajectory of HIV in Ireland. Of the new cases identified this year, fewer than 200 will constitute new transmissions.  Ending new transmissions by 2030 is not insurmountable, but only if we redouble our efforts now.” 

Ms Rebecca Tallon de Havilland is an advocate living with HIV. Speaking on the Government’s commitment to better support people living with HIV, she said: “When I was first diagnosed, I thought my life would be defined by HIV. Over time, with treatment and the right support, I’ve learned that it doesn’t have to be that way. Living well with HIV is possible and it’s important that the right supports are in place.”